Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has mobilised over N3.4 billion in donations from political allies, business leaders, and supporters to strengthen security across the state through the newly launched Abia State Security Trust Fund.
The fund was officially unveiled during a luncheon held Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said the initiative is in line with the Abia State Security Trust Fund Law, 2024, which empowers the state to establish a framework for mobilising, managing, and deploying resources to bolster security infrastructure.
“This project is in line with the provisions of the Abia State Security Trust Fund Law, 2024. The law empowers the state to set up a specialised framework for mobilising, managing, and deploying resources in support of our security infrastructure across the state,” Otti said.
Reiterating the collective responsibility of ensuring safety, the governor urged residents to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing security issues within their communities.
“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 neighbourhoods, places of business, and in the larger community,” he said.
Otti emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader strategy focused on preventing crime and ensuring Abia remains a hostile environment for criminal elements.
“Insecurity creates economic and social crises, impoverishes the population, and makes refugees of individuals and families in their homeland,” he warned.
He assured that all funds raised would be used transparently and efficiently, noting that his administration has maintained a reputation for prudent financial management.
Since assuming office, Governor Otti said initiatives such as Operation Crush have helped improve security across Abia. He pledged not to relent until the state is fully secure for both residents and investors.
Among notable donors were Chief Adedeji Adeleke, who contributed N500 million; Chief Arthur Eze, N200 million; and Chief Innocent Chukwuma, President of Innoson Motors, who pledged N100 million.
Support for the initiative came from across political lines. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, praised Governor Otti’s non-partisan approach to security.
“Security should never be politicised, as no one is immune to its consequences,” she said, adding that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully in support of what Otti has been doing to make Abia safe and conducive for residential and business purposes.”
Onyejeocha, who commended the governor’s developmental strides, declared: “I can now proudly declare my citizenship of Abia.”
Also speaking, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah, described the security fund as timely and pledged monthly contributions for one year. “Security is everybody’s business,” he affirmed.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abia State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Stanley Obiamaraije, represented by Vice Chairman Chief Johnson Chukwu, said the initiative is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP) designed to pool resources from both governmental and non-governmental actors.
“The overall goal is simple: to provide logistics, equipment, communication tools, surveillance infrastructure and other critical support to enable security agencies to respond effectively to challenges in real time,” Chukwu said.
He lauded Governor Otti for his “unwavering political will, visionary leadership, and actionable commitment” in driving the initiative forward.
With strong financial backing and cross-sector support, the Abia State Security Trust Fund is expected to significantly boost the operational capabilities of security agencies across the state.
