Tompolo donates N10bn as Delta launches security trust fund

The Delta State Government, on Wednesday, launched her Security Trust Fund which saw Government Ekpemupolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited and Chief Launcher, donating N10 billion to the Fund.

Keston Pondi, who spoke on behalf of Ekpemupolo during the formal launching/fundraising held at Government House, Asaba, said, “What we are launching today goes beyond a financial contribution, it is a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property,” pledging Tantita’s full support for the initiative with a princely donation of N10 billion.”

He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State governor for institutionalising a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Chairman of Access Holdings and Chairman of the Occasion, said the launch was a defining moment in the State’s history even as he applauded Governor Oborevwori’s leadership which, he said, had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive States.

Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilise up to ₦100 billion in 2025.

On his part, Governor Oborevwori, recalled that the Security Trust Fund established by law in 2013 was designed as a collaborative platform for mobilising resources from the private sector to complement government’s investment in security.

He explained that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.

He said his Administration rebranded Operation Delta Hawk as Operation Delta Sweep and as a joint task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.

He noted that the synergy among these agencies had yielded significant results, including the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition from criminal elements, he outlined the government’s broader strategy for tackling the root causes of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness through empowerment programmes, agricultural initiatives, and massive infrastructure renewal that have created thousands of jobs.

The governor said 0.5% of the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is already allocated monthly to the Security Trust Fund, and appealed for sustained support from the private sector and individuals.

“Your contributions today are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and economic prosperity,” he said, assuring that all funds would be transparently managed.

Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, commended the governor’s foresight and described the Security Trust Fund as a bold and forward-looking initiative. He also reaffirmed the bank’s partnership with the state and pledged continued support for its developmental efforts.

Earlier, Samuel Osasa, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, said the launch was aimed at reinvigorating the fund to meet emerging security needs.