Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has charged Abians and residents to take more than a passing interest in issues of security around their vicinity in order to tackle security challenges and remain ahead of criminals.

 

Governor Otti gave the charge on Thursday, July 10th, during the launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. He thanked all that donated to the trust fund and appreciated the job being done by the Abia State Security Trust Fund.

 

The Governor said that the launch is another layout programme in his holistic security outlook, focusing on prevention of criminal activities.

 

“This luncheon is in line with the provisions of the Abia State Security Trust Fund, Law 2024, which empowers the State to set up a specialised framework for mobilising, managing and deploying resources in support of our security infrastructure across the State.

 

“Insecurity creates economic and social crisis, impoverishes the population, and makes refugees of individuals and families in their homeland.

 

“To counter the enormous cost of security crisis, all of us are invited to always take more than a passing interest in security issues in our neighborhoods, places of business, and in the larger community.

 

Governor Otti noted that his administration has demonstrated prudence in the management of resources, assuring that every kobo raised from the luncheon would be judiciously applied. He recalled that on assumption of office, he made a firm commitment to recover every inch of Abia territory from the criminals who had carved out some parts of the State for themselves and expressed joy that through Operation Crush and other security interventions, Abia is relatively peaceful. He reiterated his commitment to security of lives and properties, promising that he would not rest on his oars.

 

Also speaking, the member representing Aba North and South at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Ikwuecheghe, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah said that security should be everybody’s business.

 

They all stressed the need for all to be committed to ensuring that Abia State and Nigeria are safe as well as support the Security Trust Fund project of Governor Otti, which they described as a laudable initiative. They lauded the unprecedented transformation across the State under Governor Otti. 

 

In an address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Abia State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Obiamaraije Stanley, represented by the Vice Chairman, Chief 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.

 

In his words, “The overall goal is simple: to provide logistics, equipment, communication tools, surveillance infrastructure and other critical support to enable security agencies respond effectively to challenges in real time,” Mr. Stanley stated.

 

He thanked Governor Otti for not only initiating and supporting the functionality of the Abia State Security Trust Fund but 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. In her remarks, the Secretary of the Trust Fund and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Bar. Mrs. Nkolika Cleopatra Ubani appreciated the Governor for his unwavering commitment to security of lives and properties in Abia State. She urged all stakeholders and invitees to support the good job of the Abia State Trust Fund to sustain the peace and order through preventive approach to crime fighting. 

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagbala while noting that 

security is everyone’s business, said that 

every individual must take responsibility in supporting and complementing the Governor’s efforts towards achieving adequate security.

 

He called on all to make donations to the Security Trust Fund and stressed the need for all to be proactive and ensure that they report incidences of crime and criminality to the appropriate authorities.

 

Making donations, Chief Arthur Eze, represented by Prince Eze Offor, a representative of Deji Adeleke, Bank CEOs and representives of various financial institutions, contractors and many other stakeholders including the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Mbah saluted the Governor’s initiative and pledged their unwavering support to him and the Security Trust Fund.

 

The event attracted many dignitaries from all works of lives including Chief Innocent Chukwuma, CEO, Innoson Motors, Arc. Dr. Kaycee Orji, Ceo, Roxettes Motors, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman Geometric Power Limited, Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji, Chief Festus Oshaba Onuh, Ceo, Ferotex Construction Company, Chief Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, Ceo, Goldrusch Limited, Chief Ken Ahia (SAN), The Ultimate Commander, Osita Offor, Chief Bar. Jackson Agbai Abba, Ceo, Dovers Hotels Limited, Mr. Chiedozie Njoku, Ceo, Checkbest Construction Company, Engr. Henry Okoroafor, Ceo, Blessed Henken Int’l company Limited and a host of others too numerous to mention.

 

Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA 

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Government House, Umuahia.