Warri – The monarch of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Udurhie I, has called for national recognition of High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his unwavering dedication to combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Speaking at his palace in Idjerhe, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Sunday, the monarch praised Tompolo for his efforts, which have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, as recently announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to the monarch, “Tompolo deserves commendation and, indeed, a national award. The President should invite him to Abuja to confer on him a national honor for accomplishing what others could not.”
He lauded the staff and management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, led by Tompolo, for their exceptional efforts in the fight against oil theft. Udurhie I emphasized that the section of pipeline surveillance under Tantita’s jurisdiction has performed remarkably well compared to other security agencies.
“Tompolo is not just protecting national installations; he has gone above and beyond, taking enormous personal risks to confront oil cabals siphoning the country’s crude oil,” the monarch stated. He highlighted three major achievements of Tompolo and Tantita Security Servicesto include, i
ncreased Oil Production,he noted that, before Tantita took over, Nigeria’s oil production had dropped to less than one million barrels per day. Through their efforts, production has surged to 1.8 million barrels per day, with a target of reaching two million barrels.
The king said, in terms of environmental restoration,Tompolo’s work has contributed to restoring the degraded environment of the Niger Delta, reviving aquatic life, and improving water quality in the region. “Before Tantita’s involvement, the water was black with oil pollution, but now aquatic life is returning,” the monarch noted.
Speaking further, the king said, on youth employment and Technology Deployment, that, The Tantita project has created significant job opportunities for youths in the Niger Delta, exposing them to advanced technological tools and reducing unemployment.
The monarch also criticized some security agencies for conspiring with oil thieves instead of safeguarding national assets. He urged the federal government to expand the Tantita project to cover more areas, thereby providing employment to more youths and ensuring regular funding for the initiative.
“Now that Tompolo has leveraged his native wisdom to unite formerly dreaded youths under this program, the federal government must ensure salaries are paid regularly and the workforce expanded. The security contract has not only enhanced oil production but also sustained environmental protection for the Niger Delta people. For these feats, Tompolo deserves a national award,” the monarch concluded.
