The Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has built and donated a National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre to the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The Managing Director of TSSNL, Chief Kestin Pondi, while unveiling the two-storey edifice on Tuesday in Warri, said that the facility would help in the pursuit of knowledge and learning in the custodial facility and by implication facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration.
Tantita is a private pipeline security outfit engaged by the federal government to protect the nation’s critical assets.
He said that the inaugurated modern edifice comprised eight fully furnished classrooms, an administrative office, water-system toilets, a borehole supply system, and a solar-powered inverter system.
According to him, the project represents opportunity, hope and the belief that every person, regardless of their past conduct, can be transformed through education, it represents a second chance.
“It is also a landmark for us as we reach out to the high and low of the society, to say no one is forgotten in our society.
“It is a day that reinforces our conviction at TSSNL that security is not only about protecting assets and territories, but also about investing in human lives, rebuilding destinies, and shaping a better future for our society,” he said.
According to him, it is in alignment with this national vision, that Tantita chose to support the Warri Correctional Centre with the newly constructed educational facility to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
The managing director said that the educational project was consistent with the Tantita’s wider commitment to community development across Nigeria.
He added that recently, the private security firm had renovated the historic Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna; a landmark of faith and culture.
“That project, like this one, reflects our philosophy that true security is built not only through vigilance alone, but also through investment in people, communities, and the values that bind us together,” he said
He also said that the project would not only transform individuals, but also strengthen our collective security as a nation, noting that an educated mind is more inclined to productivity.
Also speaking, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta said that the project underscored the power of purposeful collaboration between government and the private sector in building a more inclusive, rehabilitative and progressive society.
The governor, who was represented by Prof. Yerhovwo Tonukari, state commissioner for Higher Education, said, “Beyond your critical role in safeguarding our strategic national assets, you have demonstrated that true security is not only about protecting pipelines and infrastructure but also about investing in people.
“This project is not just a building, it is a beacon of hope, a testament to second chances and a tangible contribution to the rehabilitation and reintegration of fellow citizens.”
Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, the Comptroller- General of the Nigerian Correctional Services described the study centre as central to the collective enhancement and reintegration of inmates into the society.
The Comptroller- General was represented by the Assistant Comptroller of Prisons, Kingsley Njoku.
“The Correctional Service has put in motion educational facilities in all the custodial centres across the nation, from primary, secondary and university, through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“The inauguration of this block of classrooms in this Custodial Centre will also give opportunity to the growing number of inmates seeking education to pursue their career unhindered,” he said.
