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SPEECH BY HIGH CHIEF (ENGR.) KESTIN EBIMORBOWEI PONDI, FNSE, FNIIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE NEWLY BUILT EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AT THE WARRI CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025.
Protocol;
The Deputy Controller of Corrections, Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre, esteemed officers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service, respected community leaders, colleagues, friends, and partners, ladies and gentlemen.
Today is a landmark date for the Nigerian Correctional Service and a day of renewed hope for inmates of the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre, because we are gathered together here to launch the newly built 2-storey building dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and learning in our custodial facility. This building will house the National Open University Study Centre for custodial inmates here in Warri. It is also a landmark for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as we reach out to the high and low of society, to say no one is forgotten in our society. It is a day that reinforces our conviction at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited that security is not only about protecting assets and territories, but also about investing in human lives, rebuilding destinies, and shaping a better future for our society.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service, is one of the oldest institutions in Nigeria, going all the way back to 1862, one year after the Colony of Lagos was proclaimed by the British as a counterpart to the first set of four courts established for the colony. Since then, the service has continued to play a vital role in rehabilitating persons convicted or accused of committing offences against the law in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Correctional Services performs the following ten functions;
1. Receiving and Holding detainees.
2. Rehabilitating inmates. They aim to reform prisoners through counseling, education, and job training programs.
3. Ensuring the welfare of inmates.
4. Maintaining security.
5. Supervising inmates.
6. Reintegrating ex-inmates into society.
7. Documenting and Keeping records of inmates
8. Permitting visitation.
9. Transporting inmates.
10. Releasing qualified inmates.
Of all these, perhaps the most important is the rehabilitation of inmates and that is where education plays a vital role.
On August 15, 2019, the Federal Government of Nigeria took a bold step in reforming our justice system by transforming the Nigerian Prisons into Correctional Centres. This was not just a change of name, but a deliberate shift in philosophy; from punishment to rehabilitation, from stigma to dignity, from exclusion to reintegration.
In alignment with this national vision, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has chosen to support the Warri Correctional Centre with this newly constructed, 2-storey educational facility. This modern building; comprising eight fully furnished classrooms, an administrative office, water-system toilets, a borehole supply system, and a solar-powered inverter system; represents more than an investment in bricks and mortar. It represents opportunity. It represents hope. And it represents the belief that every person, regardless of their past conduct, can be transformed through education. It represents a second chance.
This project is also consistent with Tantita’s wider commitment to community development across Nigeria. Only recently, Tantita had the honour of renovating the historic Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna; a landmark of faith and culture; which was formally commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last week on Friday 19th September. That project, like this one, reflects our philosophy that true security is built not only through vigilance alone, but also through investment in people, communities, and the values that bind us together.
Education is the most powerful tool of rehabilitation. It opens minds, reforms character, and creates pathways for reintegration into society. By God’s grace, this facility will soon host the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre, giving both inmates and staff access to a qualitative path to academic advancement. This milestone will not only transform individuals but will also strengthen our collective security as a nation, because an educated mind is more inclined to productivity.
At this point, let me sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Correctional Service, both here in Warri and at the Headquarters in Abuja, for their cooperation and encouragement throughout this journey. I also extend my gratitude to the Deputy Controller of Corrections, DCC Richard Egbede, for his kind words and steadfast commitment to making this project a reality for the correctional service.
For us at Tantita, this project may be corporate social responsibility, but it is not just Corporate Social Responsibility. It is a moral duty, a social investment, and a testament to our unwavering belief that Nigeria can only be truly secure when her people are empowered, rehabilitated, and given a chance to thrive.
I dedicate this facility to the future of the staff and inmates who will study here, to their families who long for their reintegration or elevation, and to the larger society that will benefit from their transformation.
May this building serve as a beacon of hope, a centre of learning, and a symbol of second chances.
On behalf of the management and staff of Tantita. I thank you all for joining us in this historic moment. Together, let us continue to build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Nigeria.
God bless the Nigerian Correctional Service.
God bless the good people of Warri.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Photo Credit: GbaramatuVoiceTV
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By: Derick Peretengboro
The Odimodi Youth body has formally witnessed a change in leadership following the handover by the outgoing President, Comrade Laide Cyril Laide, to the newly elected President, Comrade Austin Benikurukuru.
Laide, who assumed office in January 2023 after taking over from Tarede Ebiarede, completed a two-year tenure marked by active youth engagement and organizational stewardship. The transition took place during the final Odimodi Youth Congress presided over by the outgoing Executive Council.
The congress was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Eluwe House, Odimodi, where formal documents and responsibilities were handed over to the new leadership team.
The congress was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Eluwe House, Odimodi, where formal documents and responsibilities were handed over to the new leadership team.
Sources close to the incoming President disclosed that an enlarged inauguration ceremony for the new Executive Council has been scheduled for January 10, 2026. The event is expected to bring together community leaders, youth stakeholders, and invited guests to formally usher in the new administration.
The peaceful handover has been widely described by observers as a positive signal of unity, democratic maturity, and continuity within the Odimodi youth structure.
IduwiniVoice Community
Negerese-Led Alabini Progressive Front Pays Yuletide Courtesy Visit to Sen. Lokpobiri
By: Divine Perezide
Members of the Alabini Progressive Front, led by Chief Berry Negerese, on December 28, 2025, paid a Yuletide courtesy visit to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), in his hometown of Ekeremor, headquarters of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The visit formed part of the 2025 Yuletide celebrations and was aimed at extending seasonal goodwill to the Minister and engaging with the leader and expressing solidarity. During the visit, the delegation presented assorted sea fish to the Minister as a symbolic gesture of appreciation and support exemplary of the core Ijaw practice.
Welcoming the group, Senator Lokpobiri expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the Alabini Progressive Front for promoting unity and cultural values during the festive season. He noted that such engagements strengthen bonds between leaders and grassroots stakeholders, especially at a time of reflection and renewed commitment to service.
Chief Negerese, speaking on behalf of the group, described the visit as a show of respect, unaloyed loyalty, and encouragement to the Minister, acknowledging his contributions to the petroleum sector, national economic advancement, and his continued interest in the growth and development of Bayelsa State.
The meeting featured cordial interactions and goodwill messages, characteristic of the spirit of the season.
IduwiniVoice.
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New Year 2026: Ijaw Leader Mulade Charges President Tinubu, Governors on Accountability, Economic Relief
A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate, and renowned human and environmental rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has welcomed Nigerians to the New Year 2026, urging governments at all levels to embrace prudence, accountability, and purposeful governance focused on delivering electoral promises rather than being distracted by the next election cycle.
Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in a New Year message he issued at Okerenkoko Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom Delta State, on New Year’s day.
In his message the renowned peace ambassador reflected on the prevailing socio-economic realities confronting the nation and the responsibilities of leadership at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, Nigerians are currently grappling with severe economic hardship, a situation he noted demands urgent, people-oriented responses from the Federal Government.
The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), specifically charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intensify efforts aimed at easing the burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable economic policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said, and added that “The Federal Government must therefore ensure that policies are people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability, and confidence in governance.”
Turning attention to Delta State, the peace and development advocate commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development revolution across major city centres of the state.
He noted that visible improvements in roads and urban infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development.
However, Mulade urged the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that the benefits of development are evenly distributed across the Delta State in 2026, particularly by extending similar infrastructural projects to the riverine communities, predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiris.
“These riverine communities are the sources and live wire of the state’s economy, through Blue marine economy, Oil and Gas,” he stated. “Extending infrastructure to these areas will give the people a greater sense of belonging, strengthen citizen participation, and promote collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable peace and continuous development in Delta State.”
He emphasized that inclusive development remains a critical factor in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that communities that feel recognized and supported are more likely to cooperate with government policies and development initiatives.
Mulade also called on citizens, especially Deltans, to play their part in fostering peace and stability, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient without public cooperation.
“As citizens, we must give government, particularly Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori maximum support to ensure a peaceful and secured Delta,” he said. “Peace is essential to attracting and wooing investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development in our dear state,” he added. Let me specifically appealed to the various ethnic groups in Delta State to support and promote collaborative efforts for sustainable peace in the state that will foster peaceful coexistence among themselves for socio-economic stability and development in 2026..
The Ijaw leader congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, on the dawn of the New Year 2026, expressing optimism that the year would usher in better living conditions and greater opportunities for the nation.
He expressed hope that the 2026 budget with N1.7 trillion, Delta State would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief, and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency and collective responsibility.