By ebosele@hotmail.com
Thirty additional beneficiaries of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant 2.0 have each received ₦10 million, completing the disbursement of an extra ₦300 million promised by High Chief Tare Godfrey Pondi, Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, and Chief Festus M. Ochonogor.
The latest tranche expands the initiative’s impact from 50 to 80 beneficiaries.
The presentation ceremony, held at the MBB Consortium in Effurun, Delta State, featured a business seminar and panel session with participants from the 2025 grant cycle, who shared insights and experiences on building sustainable ventures.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Victor Isereke, underscored the vision of the sponsor, High Chief Kestin Pondi, noting that the initiative is rooted in a strong commitment to fostering sustainable business development across Nigeria. He urged beneficiaries to deploy the funds strategically to grow impactful enterprises.
Also addressing participants, Tantita Administrative Manager, Miss Daisy Jaja, emphasized the importance of discipline and accountability. She cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the funds, stressing that the grant is intended as seed capital for business growth. She encouraged recipients to aim for excellence and return in the future as mentors to other entrepreneurs.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (Western Zone), Comrade Nicholas Igarama, alongside Commissioner Goru Oghenekaro, reiterated the importance of utilizing the grant strictly for business purposes. They noted that the true value of the initiative would be measured by the success of beneficiaries and their ability to uplift others within their communities.
Some beneficiaries, who spoke at the event, expressed profound gratitude to the sponsors. One described the grant as a “dream come true,” highlighting the difficulty of accessing such funding through conventional financial institutions. Another referred to the opportunity as “grace,” praising High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi as a benefactor committed to transforming lives, and pledged to make the sponsors proud.
With the full disbursement now completed, beneficiaries are set to commence a post-grant business development programme—an initiative designed to provide lifetime mentorship from experienced business coaches, ensuring the growth, sustainability, and long-term success of their ventures.
