Otuaro Hails Pondi and Anoka for Completing Doctoral Programmes

Dennis Burutu Otuaro, administrator of Nigeria’s Presidential Amnesty Programme and special adviser to the president on Niger Delta affairs, has praised Kestin Pondi and Michael Anoka for completing their doctoral programmes while carrying demanding professional and public responsibilities.

In a statement released to journalists in Warri, Otuaro described the achievement as evidence of discipline, consistency, perseverance and a commitment to lifelong learning. He said completing doctoral studies while contributing to society sent a positive message to young people across the Niger Delta.

Pondi, managing director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, completed and defended a PhD thesis in Public Administration at the University of Benin’s College of Postgraduate Studies. He announced the successful defence on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, and reflected on an academic journey that included difficult moments when he had to remind himself not to give up.

The doctoral degree adds to Pondi’s profile as a civil engineer, public administrator and business executive. Otuaro also linked the achievement to the value of continued learning among professionals entrusted with important responsibilities in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

Pondi thanked his supervisors, lecturers, examiners, family, friends, colleagues and others who supported him. He attributed the completion of the programme to divine grace, saying, “Above all, I give all the glory to God, whose grace carried me through.”

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Above all, I give all the glory to God, whose grace carried me through.