Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
There was a downpour of donations in Umuahia on Thursday as Governor Alex Otti officially launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund, vowing to make the state too hot for criminals.
Friends of the state, residents, banks, contractors, and corporate organisations jostled to identify with the initiative, doling out millions of naira—some in hundreds of millions.
The highest individual donation of ₦500 million came from Adedeji Adeleke, father of music icon Davido. He was followed by Anambra-born oil magnate, Chief Arthur Eze, who donated ₦200 million.
Industrialist and founder of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, contributed ₦100 million, while other donors—including contractors and commercial banks—also made significant financial commitments.
Former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the State Security Advisory Council, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), also made a generous donation in millions. The lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Mascot Ikwecheghi, donated ₦30 million.
Speaking at the event, an elated Governor Otti described the launch as a key part of his comprehensive security strategy, focused primarily on crime prevention.
He urged citizens and residents of Abia to take more than “a passing interest in security issues around their environment” in support of government efforts.
“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 to strengthen our security infrastructure across the state,” Otti said.
“Insecurity creates economic and social crises, impoverishes the population, and makes refugees out of individuals and families in their own homeland.
“To tackle the high cost of insecurity, we must all take responsibility for being vigilant in our homes, businesses, and communities.”
He assured that his administration, known for prudent resource management, would ensure that every kobo raised for the Trust Fund would be judiciously spent.
The Governor recalled that upon assuming office, he made a firm commitment to reclaim every inch of Abia territory from criminal elements. He expressed satisfaction that initiatives such as Operation Crush had significantly improved the state’s security, but added that more work lies ahead.
Otti commended all donors for their generous support.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, praised Governor Otti for his resolve in tackling insecurity and lauded his developmental strides.
“I can now boldly say I’m from Abia,” she declared, adding that security should not be politicised and noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully supports Otti’s efforts to keep the state safe.
In his remarks, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah, described the Security Trust Fund as a laudable initiative, saying, “Security is everyone’s business.” He pledged monthly donations to the Fund for one year.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abia State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Obiamaraije Stanley—represented by Vice Chairman Sir Johnson Chukwu—described the initiative as a public-private partnership designed to mobilise resources from both governmental and non-governmental actors to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in the state.
“The overall goal is simple: to provide logistics, equipment, communication tools, surveillance infrastructure, and other critical support to enable security agencies to respond effectively in real time,” Chukwu stated.
He thanked Governor Otti for not only initiating and reviving the Fund but for backing it with “unwavering political will, visionary leadership, and actionable commitment.”
Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagbala, urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that everyone has a role to play in supporting the governor’s vision for a secure Abia.
