Dr. Otuaro Hails Pondi, Onoka on PhD Defence

By Asiayei Enaibo, Warri

Following the successful PhD defence in Public Administration at the prestigious University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Special Adviser to the President of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has commended High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Dr. Michael Onoka, Commissioner for Energy, Delta State for the milestone.

The administrator commended them for their resilient pursuit of academic excellence, intellectual development and their continued commitment to serving humanity.

According to him, completing a doctoral programme while actively contributing to the development of society is a significant achievement worthy of recognition and celebration.

Dr Otuaro described their academic accomplishment as a demonstration of discipline, consistency, perseverance and a commitment to lifelong learning. He noted that their achievement sends a positive message to young people across the Niger Delta, encouraging them to pursue education and excellence regardless of one’s status in life.

According to Dr Otuaro, Pondi’s lofty feet represented the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, learning and perseverance.

Pondi, who announced the successful defence on Thursday, September 3, 2026, reflected on the demanding academic journey, acknowledging that there were challenging moments when he had to remind himself not to give up. He described the attainment of the doctoral degree as a significant milestone that he would cherish.

The academic accomplishment adds another dimension to Pondi’s professional profile as a civil engineer, public administrator and business executive. As Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, he has been involved in the management of a company playing a significant role in the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria.

Beyond the professional responsibilities associated with his position, Pondi’s pursuit and completion of a doctoral degree demonstrates the value of continuous learning and intellectual development among professionals entrusted with important responsibilities in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

The Tantita Managing Director expressed appreciation to his supervisors, lecturers, examiners, family members, friends, colleagues and everyone who supported and encouraged him throughout the doctoral programme. He also attributed the successful completion of the programme to divine grace, stating: Above all, I give all the glory to God, whose grace carried me through.

His reflection on the achievement further underscores the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of personal and professional goals. Having successfully completed one demanding chapter of his academic journey, Pondi looked ahead with optimism, declaring: One chapter has ended, another begins. The journey continues.

Dr. Otuaro congratulated both Pondi and Onoka, describing their academic achievement as a welcome milestone for the Niger Delta region. He expressed optimism that their continued pursuit of knowledge, alongside their respective contributions to public service and regional development, would further advance the development of the Niger Delta and contribute to the broader progress of humanity.

The achievement of two accomplished professionals from the Niger Delta in earning doctoral degrees in Public Administration also reinforces the importance of education, knowledge and capacity building in strengthening leadership and governance.

For a region that continues to require competent professionals, administrators, policymakers and community leaders capable of addressing complex developmental challenges, academic achievements of this nature provide encouraging examples for younger generations.

Dr. Otuaro therefore urged the duo to see their new academic status not merely as a personal accomplishment but also as an opportunity to deepen their contributions to society through knowledge, leadership and service.