The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty, King Monday Arthur Whiskey, Udurhie I, has called on President Bola Tinubu to confer a national honor on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited.
The monarch made this appeal on Sunday while addressing journalists at his palace in Idjerhe, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to the monarch, Tompolo's efforts have been instrumental in achieving the recently announced production of 1.8 million barrels of oil per day by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
"Tompolo deserves commendation. In fact, he deserves a national award," the monarch stated. "Nothing should prevent the President from inviting him to Abuja and conferring upon him this honor because he has achieved what others could not."
He continued, "First and foremost, I congratulate the staff and management of Tantita Security Services Limited, led by High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, for their fight against oil theft.
"From available facts, it is clear that the section managed by Tompolo and his team is performing exceptionally well. They are not only protecting national installations but are also taking unprecedented risks to achieve this feat.
"Tompolo is singlehandedly combating oil cabals who were siphoning the country’s oil. Critically, there are three major achievements from Tantita's operations today:
"Firstly, the firm is significantly increasing oil and gas production for the Nigerian government. Before Tantita's involvement, Nigeria's oil production was under one million barrels per day. Bringing in an additional 800,000 barrels and aiming for two million barrels per day is no small task.
"Secondly, Tompolo is aiding in the restoration of the environment, which has been severely degraded. Today, the aquatic life and cleaner water in the region speak volumes about the hard work of an individual committed to his land.
"Thirdly, the Tantita Security Project is creating substantial employment opportunities for Niger Delta youths and introducing them to high-tech facilities, moving beyond manual technology."
The monarch urged the federal government to expand and fund Tantita’s operations further. "It is only in the areas where Tantita is active that these remarkable achievements are evident. The government should increase the workforce, ensure regular salaries, and provide more opportunities for young people. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop," he added.
The monarch emphasized the importance of acknowledging Tompolo’s contributions. "He has united the region’s most dreaded youths, engaging them in this program. For his exceptional achievements in increasing oil production, environmental restoration, and creating employment opportunities, Tompolo deserves a national honor."
