Living Legends Series: High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi — The Man Who Secured the Creeks and Still Found Time to Smile
In the heart of the Niger Delta, where the mangroves whisper secrets and the river knows everybody’s business, there lives a man whose name flows through the creeks with pride and quiet laughter: High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi — the Ibe Benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Some call him Engineer, others call him MD, and the oil thieves? Well, they call him Oga Abeg. Because when Kestin Pondi shows up, even crude oil stops leaking out of respect.
🎓 From Engineering Classrooms to Creek Command
Born and bred in the Ijaw heartland, Kestin Pondi didn’t start out as a “chief” or a “legend.” No. Like all great men, he began with books, lectures, and the occasional lecture hall nap. He studied engineering — not just for the title, but because he had the rare ability to calculate pipeline pressure and community pulse at the same time.
His academic journey, though not noisy or flashy, was marked by brilliance and practicality. While other students built toy bridges for fun, Pondi was sketching how to protect real pipelines from real problems.
By the time he graduated, he wasn’t just an engineer. He was a strategic thinker with a heart tuned to the cries of the Niger Delta.
🛡️ Enter: Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited
Pondi’s rise to national recognition came when he was appointed the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security outfit founded by Tompolo (High Chief Government Ekpemupolo).
Under his leadership, Tantita:
- Crushed illegal refineries like groundnuts
- Reduced oil theft drastically in a region where crude once flowed like pepper soup
- Recruited and empowered local youths, proving that you can secure pipelines and still secure peace
In fact, oil thieves began to say, “If Kestin see you once, you fit relocate by force.”
👑 Traditional Title, Modern Man
In recognition of his contributions, Kestin was bestowed with the title of Ibe Benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom — a role that means more than sitting at ceremonies in wrappers. It means wisdom, leadership, and knowing exactly how much kola nut is too much.
Despite the weight of titles, Pondi remains approachable. He talks with elders, laughs with youths, and — true story — once fixed a leaking canoe engine with a bottle cap and chewing gum. (Okay, maybe that’s slightly exaggerated… or is it?)
🏆 Awards, Respect, and a Bit of Swag
You can tell a true legend not just by awards, but by how they walk through their hometown. Kestin has received numerous recognitions, including:
- Community Development Awards for supporting Gbaramatu and other Ijaw communities
- Security Honors for his fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism
- Street-level respect, which, in the Delta, is better than any national award
He wears his success lightly, often seen smiling with villagers at local festivals or inspecting operations in creeks others fear to tread.
😂 And the Humor? Oh, It's Natural
One thing everyone agrees on: Kestin Pondi is cool under pressure and even cooler with a joke.
When asked in a meeting how he manages to sleep with all the security challenges in the creeks, he smiled and said:
“I sleep in shifts — half on land, half in the canoe.”
That’s Kestin for you — serious when needed, but never too stiff to share a laugh.
✨ Final Words
High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi represents a new kind of leadership in the Niger Delta — the kind that blends technical know-how, traditional wisdom, street intelligence, and a touch of humor.
He is a living legend not just because he chases oil thieves or wears a chieftaincy title, but because he proves that you can be effective, educated, respected, and still have your feet in the water — literally.
So if you ever find yourself lost in the creeks of Gbaramatu and someone says, “Call Pondi,” don’t hesitate. You’re already in safe hands.
+2348134902214 or
+39 348 610 6794
For payment and Support:
Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond
3017861172, First
Bank
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