By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday officially launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management.
The event, held at Government House, Asaba, attracted top industry leaders, security chiefs, community figures, and senior government officials. Dignitaries included Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, who chaired the ceremony; Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, who was the Chief Launcherwith a donation of N10 billion.
Governor Oborevwori noted that the Security Trust Fund, established by law in 2013, was designed to create a collaborative platform for mobilizing resources from the private sector to complement the government’s investments in security infrastructure.
“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 resources,” the Governor stated. “This Trust Fund represents our shared commitment to peace, public safety, and sustainable growth.”
He explained that the Fund 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 Delta’s 25 local government areas.
The Governor added that 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had been dedicated monthly to the Fund, assuring full transparency in its management.
“Your contributions today are not just donations—they are investments in peace, stability, and economic prosperity,” Oborevwori said.
Governor Oborevwori also highlighted the rebranding of Operation Delta Hawk to Operation Delta Sweep, a joint task force comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps. He said the collaboration had yielded significant results, including the recovery of arms and ammunition from criminal groups.
Chairman of the occasion, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the launch as “a defining moment in Delta State’s history”, lauding the governor’s leadership as transformative.
“Our Governor is both a driver and an enabler of progress. While others talk, he just gets it done,” Aig-Imoukhuede said, pledging N100 million on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure. He expressed confidence that the Fund could mobilize up to N100 billion in 2025.
In his goodwill message, Jim Ovia praised the governor’s foresight, describing the initiative as “bold and forward-looking.” He reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s partnership with Delta State and pledged continued support for its development programs.
Also speaking, Chief Keston Pondi, on behalf of Tompolo, said Tantita Security Services’ N10 billion contribution was a strategic investment in peace and progress.
“What we are launching today goes beyond a financial contribution—it is an investment in the protection of lives and property,” he stated.
In a keynote address, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, emphasized that development and security are inseparable. He commended Delta’s infrastructure renewal efforts, particularly road expansion, as catalysts for safety and connectivity.
He urged increased investment in technology, intelligence-sharing, and training, stressing that sustainable security requires collective responsibility.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Samuel Osasa, said the relaunch was aimed at revitalizing the Fund to meet emerging challenges. He cited the Fund’s past achievements, including the provision of vehicles, security equipment, and modern facilities for the State Police Command, in line with the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.
He appealed to corporate organizations and individuals to contribute to the Fund, assuring that all donations would be judiciously utilized in line with transparency and accountability standards.
The event featured goodwill messages, pledges of support, and renewed calls for collective action toward maintaining peace and development in Delta State.
