Beyond Pipeline: Tantita, Maton equip 1,500 youths with skills, starter packs

A total of 1,500 young people graduated on Wednesday from the Future Skills Summit and Project SSE in Bayelsa State, as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited deepen investments in youth empowerment across the Niger Delta.

The graduation ceremony was held at Ijaw House, Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa. 

Representing the Managing Director of Tantita, High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, FSNE, FNIIS, Admin Manager Ms. Daisy Jaja said the program was designed to build a new generation of skilled, confident, and economically empowered Niger Deltans.

“Your certificates are important, but the skills behind those certificates are even more valuable. Those skills can never be taken away from you,” she told the graduates.

She noted that true security goes beyond protecting pipelines.  
“A society where thousands of youths are unemployed is vulnerable. But a society where young people are equipped with practical skills becomes naturally secure, prosperous and peaceful,” Jaja stated.

To support immediate transition to enterprise, Tantita announced business starter packs for 154 outstanding graduates — the 14 best-performing trainees in each skill category.

The packs include laptops, cameras, digital equipment, sewing machines, baking kits, solar installation toolkits, and other professional tools tailored to each trade.

The Future Skills Programme and Project SSE have already produced thousands of entrepreneurs in Delta State who are now running businesses and creating jobs, Jaja added.

Jaja urged the graduates to choose enterprise over economic sabotage, warning that pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, and crude oil theft destroy the future of the region.

“You now possess something far more valuable — a skill that can create wealth, transform lives and build communities. Be protectors of our national assets and ambassadors of a new Niger Delta driven by peace, productivity and prosperity,” she said.

The company appreciated Africa’s Hub for Skills and Enterprise Development, AHSED, Maton Engineering, facilitators, mentors, community and traditional leaders for their support.

Beneficiaries applauded the gesture. Several of them said the training and starter packs have given them “a source of livelihood” and hope for the future.

Tantita reiterated its commitment to building people, businesses and communities as part of its broader strategy to secure Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure through opportunity and development.