The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has strengthened the business grant initiative of Engr. Kestin Pondi, with an additional ₦100 million, provided ₦10 million each to 10 more beneficiaries in a move aimed at expanding economic empowerment in the Niger Delta.
Announcing the Commission’s support on Monday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Festus Ochonogor, commended Pondi for initiating the programme, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the burden of economic development.
“Government cannot do everything. Initiatives like this complement the efforts of government and directly empower our people,” Ochonogor said.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of DESOPADEC, Oghenekome Reginald Okpobor, described the programme as a bold demonstration of leadership capable of transforming lives and stimulating economic growth across communities.
“What we witnessed today goes beyond philanthropy. This is a deliberate economic empowerment that will strengthen families, support small businesses and stimulate growth across our communities. High Chief Kestin Pondi has shown that when individuals with capacity decide to uplift others, the ripple effect can be monumental,” he said.
The event marked the grand finale of Pondi’s business grant initiative, which was initially designed to support 50 entrepreneurs with ₦5 million each. However, in a surprise move that drew excitement from beneficiaries, the grant was doubled to ₦10 million per person.
The development paved the way for DESOPADEC to further deepen the initiative by adding 10 more beneficiaries, each receiving ₦10 million.
Further boosting the programme, the General Manager, Operations at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Godfrey Pondi, announced the addition of another 10 beneficiaries, while the Delta State Ministry of Power and Energy Commissioner, Ifeanyi Anoka, also pledged support for 10 additional beneficiaries.
With the new contributions, the total number of beneficiaries rose to 80, with a combined disbursement of ₦800 million.
Observers at the event noted that the initiative went beyond a simple grant distribution, describing it as a major economic intervention capable of boosting business opportunities, creating jobs and improving livelihoods across communities in the region.
Also present at the ceremony were DESOPADEC’s Executive Director of Social Services, Favour Izoukumor, and the member representing the Urhobo nationality on the board, Oghenekaro Goru.
