*Says No Hiding Place For Criminals
*Tompolo Donates N10bn To Fund
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, formally launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management.
At the event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, In a historic show of support, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, made a handsome contribution of N10billion to the Fund.
The event brought together captains of industries, security chiefs, community leaders and top government officials, including the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Plc Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, who was Special Guest of Honour; and Tompolo, who was the Chief Launcher.
Tompolo’s donation, who was one of the largest private contributions to the initiative, reinforced his role as a key advocate for stability and development in the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori said the 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, saying it would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, communication tools and supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.
“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 be reluctant to commit their resources. This Fund represents our shared commitment to peace, public safety, and sustainable growth,” said.
Oborevwori, while noting that the synergy among these agencies had yielded significant results, including the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition from criminal elements, outlined 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.
Stating that “peace and security are better sustained when all citizens, especially women and youths, have opportunities to participate in economic growth,” the governor said 0.5 per cent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was already allocated monthly to the Fund, appealling for sustained support from the private sector and individuals.
He added: “Your contributions today are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability and economic prosperity,” assuring all funds would be transparently managed.
Aig-Imoukhuede described the launch as a defining moment in the state’s history and commended Oborevwori’s leadership, which he said had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive states.
“Our governor is both a driver and an enabler of progress. While others talk, he just gets it done,” he added.
Aig-Imoukhuede made a personal donation of N100million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, expressing optimism that the initiative would mobilise up to N100billion this year.
“This launch does not end today; it begins today. Together, we will continue to strengthen the foundation for Delta’s safety and growth,” he declared.
In his goodwill message, Ovia commended the governor’s foresight, describing the Fund as a bold and forward-looking initiative.
Reaffirming Zenith Bank’s partnership with the state, Ovia pledged continued support for its developmental efforts, saying: “Security is the foundation of peace, prosperity and business growth. This Fund brings together stakeholders to build a safer and more stable environment for citizens and investors alike.”
Also speaking, Keston Pondi, who spoke on behalf of Tompolo, lauded the governor for institutionalising a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.
He noted: “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.”
In his keynote address, Marvel Akpoyibo, a retired deputy inspector general of Police, said development and security were inseparable and must go hand in hand.
Akpoyibo the ongoing transformation of road networks in Delta State, describing it as a major contributor to safety and connectivity, even as he called for increased investment in technology, training and collaboration among security stakeholders, noting true security could only be achieved through shared responsibility.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Fund, Samuel Osasa, said the launch was aimed at reinvigorating the Fund to meet emerging security needs, adding that it had, over the years, provided vehicles, equipment and support to security agencies, including the recent installation of modern facilities for the state Police Command to enhance implementation of the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.
He appealed to corporate organisations, private institutions and individuals to partner with the Fund through generous donations, assuring that all contributions would be judiciously utilised in accordance with the law.
