The Abia state government has formally launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund, a public-private initiative designed to mobilize resources for the enhancement of the operational capabilities of security agencies within the state.
Speaking at the event held at the International Conference center, Ogurube layout Umuahia, Governor Otti said the initiative will help achieve a more secured state and build a state where residents can go to bed with both eyes closed.
The State Chief Executive explained that part of the fund will also be applied to setting up a support center for quick incident response, realtime situation awareness and resource coordination among security agencies.
The Governor while noting that force may yield short term gains, disclosed that long term social harmony can only be achieved by deliberately creating an environment that upholds the dignity of the people, make crime unattractive and costly, thereby giving everyone a sense of responsibility, security and safety.
He noted that in addition to donating patrol and operational vehicles to security agencies in the state, the state’s homeland security office has been transformed to an engine of efficiency, providing critical intelligence and operational support to security establishments while also responding independently to developments that fall within the scope of its responsibilities.
Governor Otti while highlighting some of the modest achievements made by his administration in the security sector, said Abia remains one of the most peaceful destination in Nigeria and saluted various security agents who lost their lives in the cause of securing the state.
In their goodwill messages, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and a former Minister for Mines and Steel, Dr Uche Ogah while commending Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment towards a secured Abia, called on all to support the state government’s initiative for a safer and secured State.
In an address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Abia State Security Trust Fund, Mr Obiamarije Stanley represented by Mr Johnson Chukwu, said that the Trust Fund as established by law is a public-private partnership initiative designed to mobilize resources from both government and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies within the state.
He thanked Governor Otti for not only initiating and supporting the revitalization of the Abia state Security Trust Fund but also for backing the initiative with unwavering political will, visionary leadership and actionable commitment, adding that under Governor Otti, Abia is rapidly moving towards a new era of responsive governance, infrastructure renewal and sustainable development.
The event which was chaired by the immediate past mayor of Aba North LGA, Ide John Udeagbala featured donations from renowned business magnets including Chief Author Eze, Mr Deji Adeleke, Eze Linus Mbah, various financial institutions and host of others.
