About N15 Billion was realised at the launch of the Delta State Security Fund presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori with ex-militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, emerging the highest donor with a contribution of N10 billion. The staggering donation by the billionaire former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, who was chief launcher, was announced by Chief Keston Pondi who spoke for him. Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc who donated N100 million on behalf of himself and his wife, was optimistic that before the end of the year, the initiative would hit up to N100 billion. Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, was Special Guest of Honour. The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, brought together captains of industry, security chiefs, community leaders, and top government functionaries. In his address, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management, explaining that 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. The governor stated that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state. He posited that “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 Trust Fund represents our shared commitment to peace, public safety, and sustainable growth.” Governor Oborevwori said his administration rebranded ‘Operation Delta Hawk’ as ‘Operation Delta Sweep’ and as a joint task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps. 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, he outlined the 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. According to him, “Peace and security are better sustained when all citizens, especially women and youths, have opportunities to participate in economic growth,” adding that 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was already allocated monthly to the Security Trust Fund, and appealed for sustained support from the private sector and individuals. “Your contributions today are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and economic prosperity,” he pleaded, assuring that all funds would be transparently managed. Chairman of the occasion, Aig-Imoukhuede, described the launch as a defining moment in the state’s history and commended Governor 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,” he noted. “While others talk, he just gets it done,” he added. Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilise up to ₦100 billion in 2025. “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, Mr. Jim Ovia commended the governor’s foresight and described the Security Trust Fund as a bold and forward-looking initiative. He reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s partnership with the state and pledged continued support for its developmental efforts. “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,” Ovia said. Also speaking, Chief Keston Pondi, who spoke on behalf of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, lauded the governor for institutionalising a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges. He said: “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,” pledging Tantita’s full support for the initiative with a staggering donation of N10 billion. In his keynote address, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, emphasised that development and security were inseparable and must go hand in hand. He commended the ongoing transformation of road networks in Delta State, describing it as a major contributor to safety and connectivity. Akpoyibo called for increased investment in technology, training, and collaboration among security stakeholders, stressing that true security could only be achieved through shared responsibility. Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Samuel Osasa, said the launch was aimed at reinvigorating the fund to meet emerging security needs. He disclosed that the Trust Fund 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 State Security Trust Fund through generous donations, assuring that all contributions would be judiciously utilized in accordance with the law. The event featured goodwill messages, pledges of financial support from public and private entities, and renewed calls for collaboration toward ensuring lasting peace and security across Delta State.
