Not less than N2.5 million has been doled out by the management of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) to students that excelled in the Delta State Inter-School Public Speaking Competition.
The company said the gesture was part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) in its areas of operation in the oil and gas rich Niger Delta region. The competition was a collaboration between TSSL and Godfrey PondiBook Club.
A statement issued by the organisers and made available to Maritime Bits said at the close-knit competition, Dom Domingos College, Warri, Delata State took the crown by winning the coveted cash prize of N1 million while Edjeba Secondary School secured the first runner up position, receiving N800,000, while Ighogbadu Secondary School finished third and was given N700,000.
The theme of the competition “The Impact of Technology in Combatting Crude Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism,” helped the participants in no small way to showcase the talent and eloquence of the students from the various post –primary institutions across the state.
The competition featured two speakers from each of ten government-owned secondary schools, including Dom Domingos College, Edjeba Secondary School, Ighogbadu Secondary School, Ekpan Secondary School, Urhobo College, College of Commerce, Yonwuren College, Alegbo Secondary School, Dore Numa College, and Ugborikoko Secondary School.
According to the statement, each participant delivered insightful presentations addressing the critical role of technology in tackling issues related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Though the prize structure was initially set at N500, 000 for the winner, N300, 000 for the first runner-up, and N200, 000 for the second runner-up, TSSL Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services, Captain Warredi Enisuoh promptly revised the amounts to N1,000,000, N800,000, and N700,000, respectively, to encourage and reward the students’ outstanding performances.
Giving an insight to his gesture, Enisuoh expressed his admiration for the initiative just as she said: “First, I must commend those who came up with this very laudable idea. From all your performances, we can only say it will get better next time. It will get bigger next time; the prize money will also increase, and we will also introduce individual scholarships that will follow with assistance to the schools.”
“It was not an easy topic, and I think only those from this area would have won if it was a national event. We sleep and wake up with this pollution from crude oil. We know it is not easy to survive in this region. Most of our land has been affected by the illegality of this problem. We are very happy to see these effects at a young age, as it shows there is hope for solutions.”
Continuing, he said: “You mentioned so many things and though we are the ones in the forefront of fighting this scourge, we learned a lot from you today. We wish you had briefed us before we started the contract, but we are taking everything on board. You have given us reasons to improve, and we appreciate your participation. One day, one of you will be a governor, another a deputy governor, and possibly even a president. It’s crucial to understand the problems of your country before becoming a leader.”
Apparently pleased with the development, teachers from the participating schools expressed their appreciation for TSSL initiative, pointing out that they recognized the event as a valuable platform that not only highlights students’ skills but also reflects the hard work of educators and parents.
Besides the management and staff of TSSL, the competition attracted other notable guests from far and near.
It also the highlighted the importance of public speaking skills among students just as it emphasized the need for innovative solutions to combat oil theft and vandalism in the oil and gas rich but poor Niger Delta region.
