Tompolo, Company Spend N81m on Newspaper Ads to Celebrate Tinubu’s Birthday Despite His Call for Simplicity

In what appears to be a lavish celebration despite President Bola Tinubu’s call for simplicity on his 72nd birthday, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and his company, Tantita Security Services Ltd. (TSSL), have reportedly spent a whopping N81 million on newspaper advertisements.

President Tinubu had urged against extravagant celebrations due to economic challenges facing the nation, suggesting that funds be directed towards charitable causes. However, Tompolo’s company chose to mark the occasion by purchasing front-page ads in six leading newspapers.

The advertisements prominently featured in The PUNCH, Tribune, Daily Trust, The Guardian, The Sun, and Leadership newspapers today, catching the attention of readers across the nation.

Investigations by FIJ revealed the potential cost of these advertisements, considering varying rates among newspapers based on factors such as coverage, quality, and operational expenses. While specific rates for Leadership newspaper were unavailable, estimates suggest a total expenditure of N81,667,000.

Tantita Security Services Ltd. is a government contractor tasked with safeguarding public oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. Despite receiving substantial payments from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL), recent reports indicate challenges in curbing oil theft in the country, raising questions about the effectiveness of such expenditures amidst pressing national issues.