By: Joy Enamuna

“We wake up and sleep with the effects of crude oil pollution; it’s a daily reality for us. Our lands are deeply impacted by this problem, so it’s uplifting to see young minds addressing these issues with such insight and hope,” said Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Technical and Operations at Tantita Security Services Limited. He made this remark while speaking at the Inter-School Public Debate Competition held in Warri, Delta State.

The debate competition, a collaboration between Tantita Security Services Limited and the Godfrey Pondi Book Club, was themed “The Impact of Technology in Combating Crude Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism.” The event showcased the eloquence and knowledge of students from government secondary schools across the state.

Ten schools participated, 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. Each school was represented by two speakers who delivered insightful presentations on the role of technology in addressing the pressing issues of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Dom Domingos College emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦1,000,000 for their outstanding performance. Edjeba Secondary School took second place with a prize of ₦800,000, while Ighogbadu Secondary School secured third place and was awarded ₦700,000.

Reflecting on Tantita Security Services’ commitment to reducing crude oil theft, Captain Enisuoh noted, “Your performances have been impressive, and we look forward to making this event even bigger next time. We plan to increase the prize money and introduce individual scholarships to further support both the students and their schools.”

He also highlighted the relevance of the competition’s theme, stating, “This was not an easy topic, and if it were a national competition, those of you from this region would have had a significant advantage due to your deep connection with the issue.”

Captain Enisuoh acknowledged the students’ valuable contributions, saying, “You brought up important points that even those of us actively working to combat this problem can learn from. You’ve given us new perspectives to consider as we move forward. Who knows, one day one of you could be a governor, deputy governor, or even the president. It’s essential to understand your country’s challenges before leading it.”

Teachers from the participating schools expressed their gratitude to Tantita Security Services for providing a platform that not only showcased the students’ skills but also rewarded their hard work and dedication. They praised the initiative as a meaningful way to motivate students and emphasize the importance of education.

Other management staff of Tantita Security Services Limited were also present at the event, which highlighted the value of public speaking skills and the importance of recognizing students’ academic achievements through such competitions.