DESOPADEC Backs Kestin Pondi Grant with N100m, Beneficiaries Rise to 80

The Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has strengthened High Chief Kestin Pondi’s business grant initiative with N10 million each for 10 additional beneficiaries.

The support was announced on Monday, March 9, 2026, during the grand finale of the empowerment programme.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, who announced the intervention, commended High Chief Pondi for the initiative, noting that government alone cannot drive economic development.

“Government cannot do everything. Initiatives like this complement the efforts of government and directly empower our people,” Chief Ochonogor said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Oghenekome Reginald Okpobor, described the programme as a strong example of visionary leadership that can transform lives and support small businesses.

“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 empowerment programme initially targeted 50 entrepreneurs who were to receive N5 million each. However, the amount was later doubled to N10 million for each beneficiary, raising the total to N500 million.

DESOPADEC subsequently expanded the initiative by adding 10 more beneficiaries with N10 million each.

The General Manager, Operations at Tantita Security Services, Chief Godfrey Pondi, also matched the gesture by adding another 10 beneficiaries, while the Delta State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Engr. Ifeanyi Anoka, contributed an additional 10 beneficiaries.

The development increased the total number of beneficiaries to 80, with the overall value of the empowerment initiative reaching N800 million.

The event, beyond the grant disbursement, underscored the importance of collaborative interventions aimed at boosting economic opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, and improving livelihoods across communities in the Niger Delta.

Among dignitaries present were the Executive Director of Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, and the member representing the Urhobo nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, Chief Hon. Oghenekaro Goru.