The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his significant contributions to the success of the union’s 2024 Triennial Delegates Conference in Owerri and the donation of a state-of-the-art secretariat to the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel.
The commendation was made during a thank-you visit by the leadership of the NUJ to Chief Ekpemupolo in recognition of his unwavering support for journalism development in Nigeria.
Led by the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, the delegation included the immediate past President, Chief Chris Isiguzo; Deputy National President, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde; Vice President (Zone F), Comrade Opaka Dokubo; and Zonal Secretary, Comrade John Angese. Veteran journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, and Tantita Security’s Director of Media, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, were also present.
Comrade Yahaya described Tompolo’s intervention as timely, noted that his financial support came when the union was facing critical challenges. He acknowledged that the successful hosting of the Owerri conference was largely due to the High Chief’s generosity.
He also lauded the construction and donation of the Warri press centre as a historic gesture in the NUJ’s history, adding that it is the first time a chapel of the union would own a permanent secretariat. According to him, the entire project from inception to completion was solely funded by Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Security Company, under the leadership of Chief Ekpemupolo.
“This is a landmark achievement that will greatly enhance journalism practice in the region,” Yahaya said, assured Tompolo of the union’s continued support through fair and balanced reportage of Tantita’s operations.
In his response, Chief Ekpemupolo thanked the NUJ for the recognition, stating that journalists have been instrumental in promoting the activities and success of his company. He reaffirmed his commitment to the media and pledged continued collaboration, particularly in the collective fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
Also present at the event were NUJ Delta State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe; NUJ State Secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu; and leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), including Chairperson, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, and Vice Chairperson, Comrade Ruth Omigie.
