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Tompolo honoured at Leadership Annual Conference and Awards
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Recognition tied to security stabilisation and community development efforts
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Tantita Security credited with supporting anti–oil theft operations
Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has been named Social Impact Person of the Year 2025 at the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards.
The recognition was announced at the annual event attended by policymakers, business leaders and civil society stakeholders. Organisers said the award acknowledges measurable contributions to security stabilisation, community engagement and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta.
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According to the award citation, Tompolo’s leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has contributed to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
Tantita, contracted by the Federal Government, supports surveillance operations aimed at curbing crude oil theft along pipelines and coastal corridors.
Industry data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has indicated improvements in crude oil production levels following intensified anti-oil theft operations — developments stakeholders have linked to coordinated surveillance efforts involving Tantita and other security agencies.
Tantita operates as a private security firm focused on pipeline monitoring and asset protection across several oil-producing states. Key impact areas attributed to its operations include:
- Surveillance of oil pipelines and maritime assets
- Collaboration with security agencies to deter illegal refining
- Structured employment for local youths
- Intelligence gathering within host communities
Security analysts note that community-based surveillance models leverage local knowledge to address longstanding sabotage and vandalism challenges.
READ ALSO: Insecurity: Delta Leader Proposes Tompolo for Nigeria’s Defence Minister
Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment
Beyond infrastructure protection, Tompolo’s influence has extended to community engagement initiatives and youth employment programmes. Community leaders in Delta and neighbouring states have credited structured surveillance jobs with helping reduce restiveness and offering alternative livelihoods to young people.
Stakeholders also point to increased dialogue among host communities, oil firms and security operators as part of broader stabilisation efforts in the region.
Background
Tompolo is a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and rose to prominence during the Niger Delta militancy period prior to the Federal Government’s 2009 Amnesty Programme.
In the post-amnesty era, he has remained an influential figure in regional security and economic discussions, particularly through his company’s involvement in oil infrastructure surveillance.
Organisers of the Leadership Awards said the 2025 honour recognises individuals whose work demonstrates tangible social impact across communities and sectors.
The annual conference convenes leaders from government, business and civil society to review national development priorities and celebrate distinguished contributions.