New hope for learners as Tantita, Target Energy Commissions Imo school buildings

Over 400 pupils, teachers to benefit as CSR drive targets education and  community peace

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited [TSSNL], in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Target Energy Nigeria Limited, on Saturday commissioned three newly rehabilitated primary school buildings in host communities across Imo and Rivers States.

The project, executed by Target Energy as a subcontractor to Tantita, marks a major push under Tantita’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillar of promoting quality education, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable community development.

Schools Commissioned were; ●Abaezi Community Primary School, Abaezi-Egbema, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State, 

● Mmamu Community Primary School, Mmamu, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State 

● And Okwuzi South Community Primary School, Okwuzi, ONELGA, Rivers State.

According to the company, the scope involved transforming dilapidated and unsafe structures into modern, conducive learning environments for more than 400 pupils and teachers. The initiative also seeks to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and discourage vandalism and economic sabotage within the operational corridor.

Leading the commissioning team, Pastor Seimode Akposafagha Benidict, Community Relations Manager, TSSNL, said the project reflects the company’s commitment beyond pipeline surveillance.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, Seimode stated: “Today we celebrate the successful handover of renovated primary schools as another testament to our commitment to sustainable community development. Investing in education is investing in the future. 

"We appreciate Target Energy Limited for the successful execution and thank community leadership for their cooperation. As we hand over these facilities, we urge school authorities, PTAs, and community leaders to take ownership and ensure proper maintenance for future generations. Tantita/Maton remains committed to impactful community development and sustained stakeholder engagement," he partly stated. 

Other members of the commissioning team included Mr. Justin Bebenimibo, Manager, Community/Government and Public Affairs, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited; Chief Charles Ogu, Managing Director, Target Energy Ltd; Ogilivie Spiff Olomu, Representative, Project Management Office; and Prince Emeka Igwe, Imo State Coordinator, TSSNL, among others.

However, beneficiaries described the intervention as life-changing. 

Mrs. Abbah Chizoma, Headmistress, Community Primary School, South-Okwuzi, ONELGA, Rivers State, said the facility was previously unusable. “This school was beyond a mess. It was physically and spiritually vandalised. People were afraid to bring their children here. They called it a burial ground, not a school. We used to pack human waste and condoms from the classrooms. I thank God and Tantita. The environment is okay now.”

Hon. Engr. Don Uhewe, a community leader, commended Tantita for setting a new standard in less than five years of operation. “Before Tantita’s intervention, the building was dilapidated. For a company less than five years old to do this, what more should we say about firms that have been here for six decades? Tantita deserves 100 percent rating. Education is the bedrock of any society. I urge youths to embrace peace and support Tantita so they can do more.”

HRM A.I. Iwuogu, Ezemma of Mmamu Autonomous Community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, expressed gratitude and urged the company to do more. 

Professor Nelson S.I. Ekpri, the Onueze Oruhamada, also applauded the effort: “We did not expect it from the onset, but it has come to be. Kudos to Tantita, Target Energy and NNPC. Let the Federal Government equip them more and increase their engagement so more youths can be employed.”

The commissioning signals a growing trend of security firms leveraging CSR to address social infrastructure gaps and foster stability in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.