Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, has attracted friends and associates to officially launch the state’s Security Trust Fund, raking in a whopping sum of over N4 billion.
Governor Otti, while speaking during the ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, charged Abians and residents to take more than a passing interest in issues of security around their vicinity in order to tackle security challenges and remain ahead of criminals.
He thanked all who donated to the trust fund and appreciated the job being done by the Abia State Security Trust Fund.
Otti noted that the launch is another layout programme in his holistic security outlook, focusing on the prevention of criminal activities.
“This luncheon is in line with the provisions of the Abia State Security Trust Fund Law 2024, which empowers the state to set up a specialised framework for mobilising, managing and deploying resources in support of our security infrastructure across the state.
“Insecurity creates economic and social crisis, impoverishes the population, and makes refugees of individuals and families in their homeland.
Read also:Â Otti woos Chinese manufacturing firm to invest in Abia
“To counter the enormous cost of the security crisis, all of us are invited to always take more than a passing interest in security issues in our neighbourhoods, places of business, and in the larger community,†Otti noted.
The governor, who stated that his administration has demonstrated prudence in the management of resources, assured that every kobo raised from the luncheon would be judiciously applied.
He recalled that on assumption of office, he made a firm commitment to recover every inch of Abia territory from the criminals who had carved out some parts of the state for themselves.
He expressed joy that, through Operation Crush and other security interventions, the state is relatively peaceful.
He reiterated his commitment to the security of lives and properties, promising that he would not rest on his oars.
Alex Mascot Ikwuechegh, member representing Aba North and South at the Federal House of Representatives, Nkeiru Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Sampson Uche Ogah, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, in their various speeches, said that security should be everybody’s business.
They all stressed the need for all to be committed to ensuring that Abia State and Nigeria are safe, as well as to support the Security Trust Fund project of Governor Otti, which they described as a laudable initiative.
They lauded the unprecedented transformation across the state under Governor Otti.
Obiamaraije Stanley, chairman, Board of Trustees, Abia State Security Trust Fund, disclosed that the Trust Fund, as established by law, is a Public-Private Partnership Initiative designed to mobilise resources from both government and non-governmental agencies within the state.
“The overall goal is simple: to provide logistics, equipment, communication tools, surveillance infrastructure and other critical support to enable security agencies to respond effectively to challenges in real time,†Stanley stated.
He thanked Governor Otti for not only initiating and supporting the functionality of the Abia State Security Trust Fund but for backing the initiative with unwavering political will, visionary leadership and actionable commitment. He further said that, under Governor Otti, Abia is rapidly moving towards a new era of responsive governance, infrastructure renewal and sustainable development.
Nkolika Cleopatra Ubani, secretary, Trust Fund and senior special assistant to the governor on Legal Matters, in a speech, appreciated the governor for his unwavering commitment to the security of lives and properties in the state.
Read also:Â Otti woos CSS global farms to Abia
She urged all stakeholders and invitees to support the good job of the Abia State Trust Fund to sustain peace and order through a preventive approach to crime fighting.
Ide John Udeagbala, chairman of the occasion, earlier in his address, noted that security is everyone’s business.
He said that every individual must take responsibility for supporting and complementing the governor’s efforts towards achieving adequate security.
He urged all to make donations to the Security Trust Fund while stressing the need for all to be proactive and ensure that they report incidences of crime and criminality to the appropriate authorities.
Arthur Eze, Deji Adeleke, bank CEOS, and representatives of various bodies, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, contractors and many other stakeholders, while making their donations, saluted the governor’s initiative and pledged their unwavering support to him and the security trust fund.
The event attracted many dignitaries, including: Innocent Chukwuma, CEO, Innoson Motors, Kaycee Orji, CEO, Roxettes Motors, Barth Nnaji, professor and chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Nnamdi Iro Orji, Festus Oshaba Onuh, CEO, Ferotex Construction Company, Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, CEO, Goldrusch Limited, Ken Ahia, Osita Offor, Jackson Agbai Abba, CEO, Dovers Hotels Limited, Chiedozie Njoku, Ceo, Checkbest Construction Company, Henry Okoroafor, CEO, Blessed Henken Int’l Company Limited among others.
