By Staff Reporter Odeh Rukevwe

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has congratulated the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, and Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Dr. Michael Onoka, following their successful defence of doctoral dissertations at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State.

The two Niger Delta professionals successfully defended their PhD research in Public Administration, marking a significant academic achievement alongside their demanding professional and public responsibilities.

In his congratulatory message, Otuaro praised Pondi and Onoka for demonstrating commitment to education, personal development and intellectual growth.

He said earning a doctoral degree while remaining actively engaged in professional and public duties reflected discipline, determination and the willingness to continue learning.

According to him, the achievement should serve as encouragement to young people, particularly across the Niger Delta, to remain committed to academic excellence despite the challenges associated with career and public service.

For Pondi, the successful defence represents the conclusion of a challenging academic journey that required considerable sacrifice, dedication and perseverance.

The Tantita boss completed his doctoral programme in Public Administration through the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of Postgraduate Studies, University of Benin.

Pondi announced the successful defence on Thursday, September 3, 2026, describing the accomplishment as an important milestone after years of academic work.

Reflecting on the journey, he acknowledged that the programme came with difficult moments but said he remained determined to complete it.

The new academic qualification further strengthens Pondi’s profile as a civil engineer, public administrator and business executive.

As head of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, he oversees a company involved in the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure in the country.

Despite the responsibilities attached to his position, Pondi continued with his academic pursuit, demonstrating that professional obligations can be combined with higher education and intellectual development.

Following the successful defence, the Tantita Managing Director expressed gratitude to his academic supervisors, lecturers, examiners, family, friends, colleagues and others who supported him throughout the programme.

He also acknowledged the role of God in helping him complete the demanding academic journey.

Pondi described the achievement as the end of one stage and the beginning of another, signalling his intention to continue pursuing further personal and professional goals.

Meanwhile, Otuaro described the doctoral achievement by Pondi and Onoka as a positive development for the Niger Delta.

He noted that their commitment to education, while simultaneously contributing to public service and regional development, could inspire others to pursue knowledge and excellence.

The PAP administrator further stressed the importance of education and capacity building in producing capable leaders, administrators and professionals who can contribute meaningfully to solving the developmental challenges facing the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

Otuaro urged the two scholars to regard their academic accomplishment as more than a personal milestone, encouraging them to use their knowledge and experience to further contribute to society.

The successful PhD defence by Pondi and Onoka highlights the importance of perseverance, lifelong learning and professional development.

Their achievement also provides an encouraging example for younger people in the Niger Delta who aspire to combine academic advancement with meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.

Otuaro consequently extended his best wishes to High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, PhD, and Dr. Michael Onoka, PhD, urging them to continue to deploy their knowledge, experience and leadership abilities toward the advancement of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.