Delta Launches Security Trust Fund As Oborevwori Rallies Private Sector For Safer, Stronger State
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday formally launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through robust public-private partnership in security management.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, drew leading figures from Nigeria’s corporate, security, and public sectors. Among them were the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc.
Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, who was the Chief Launcher with a landmark donation of ₦10 billion.
Governor Oborevwori explained that the Security Trust Fund, originally established by law in 2013, was designed as a collaborative platform to mobilize private sector resources in support of government’s ongoing investment in security.
He said the renewed Fund would prioritize the acquisition of modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as training and retraining of security operatives 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,” the Governor said.
“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.”
Oborevwori also noted that his administration had rebranded Operation Delta Hawk as Operation Delta Sweep, a multi-agency task force comprising the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.
He commended the synergy among these agencies, which, he said, had led to significant breakthroughs, including the recovery of arms and ammunition from criminal elements.
The governor further outlined strategic efforts to tackle the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness, through empowerment schemes, agricultural initiatives, and expansive infrastructure renewal projects that have created thousands of jobs.
“Peace and security are best sustained when all citizens, especially women and youths, are given opportunities to contribute to economic growth,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori revealed that 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has been earmarked monthly for the Security Trust Fund, while calling for sustained support from the private sector and individuals.
“Your contributions today are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said, assuring that all funds would be transparently managed in line with due process.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the launch as a historic milestone for Delta State and commended Governor Oborevwori’s visionary leadership, which he said had made the state one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive.
“Our Governor is both a driver and an enabler of progress,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated. “While others talk, he just gets it done.”
He announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative could attract up to ₦100 billion in private-sector contributions by 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 applauded the governor’s foresight and described the Delta Security Trust Fund as a bold and forward-thinking initiative.
“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 stated, pledging Zenith Bank’s continued partnership and support.
Also speaking, Chief Keston Pondi, who represented High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), lauded the initiative as a visionary step that institutionalizes private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.
“What we are launching today goes beyond financial contributions—it is a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property,” he said, pledging Tantita’s full support with its ₦10 billion donation.
In his keynote address, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, emphasized the inseparable link between security and development, noting that the state’s ongoing infrastructural transformation, particularly in road networks, had significantly enhanced safety and connectivity.
He urged increased investment in technology, training, and inter-agency collaboration, stressing that sustainable security can only be achieved through shared responsibility.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Samuel Osasa, said the relaunch was aimed at reinvigorating the fund to address emerging security challenges.
He highlighted past interventions—including the provision of vehicles, equipment, and modern facilities for the State Police Command—to support the implementation of the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.
Osasa appealed to corporate bodies, private institutions, and individuals to partner with the Trust Fund through generous contributions, assuring that all donations would be judiciously managed in accordance with the law.
The event featured goodwill messages, pledges of financial support, and renewed calls for collective action toward sustaining peace and security across Delta State.
