ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori on Wednesday formally launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through strategic public-private partnerships in security management. The ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Asaba, attracted top government officials, security chiefs, captains of industry, and community leaders.
In a statement read during the event, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Samuel Osasa, emphasized that the launch aimed to reinvigorate the Fund to address emerging security challenges across the state. Over the years, the Trust Fund has supported security agencies with vehicles, modern equipment, and infrastructural facilities, including recent upgrades to the State Police Command under the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.
Governor Oborevwori described the Fund, originally established by law in 2013, as a collaborative platform to mobilize private-sector resources to complement government investment in security. He explained that contributions would be used to acquire modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, communication tools, and to support the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across Delta’s 25 local government areas.
“Security is not the sole responsibility of government; it is everyone’s business. Without adequate security, development cannot thrive, businesses cannot operate freely, and investors will hesitate to commit resources,” the governor said. He noted that 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is already allocated monthly to the Fund and urged private sector participation, assuring transparency in fund management.
The governor also highlighted the rebranding of Operation Delta Hawk to Operation Delta Sweep, a joint task force of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps, which has achieved notable successes, including the recovery of illegal arms and ammunition. He outlined complementary initiatives tackling the root causes of insecurity, including youth empowerment programs, agricultural schemes, and massive infrastructure projects that have created thousands of jobs.
High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, served as Chief Launcher of the Fund, pledging a landmark N10 billion donation to support security efforts. Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc and Chairman of the occasion, commended Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, describing him as both a driver and enabler of progress, and personally donated ₦100 million on behalf of himself and his wife. Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, CON, praised the initiative as bold and forward-looking, reiterating the bank’s commitment to supporting Delta State’s development.
In his goodwill message, Chief Keston Pondi, speaking for Tompolo, described the launch as a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property. Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, emphasized that sustainable development is inseparable from security, urging further investment in technology, training, and stakeholder collaboration.
The launch concluded with renewed pledges from corporate organizations, private institutions, and individuals to contribute to the Delta State Security Trust Fund, signaling a strong commitment from all stakeholders toward ensuring lasting peace and security across the state.
