THE ASSEMBLING OF GOVERNOR OTTI’S ALLIES TO RAISE BILLIONS OF NAIRA FOR ABIA SECURITY TRUST FUND, A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Written by Divine Nwankwo
HoD (Information), Government House Umuahia
History was made on Thursday 10th July 2025, as the security conscious and
influential Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR assembled his friends and associates at the International Conference Centre Umuahia to launch the Abia State Security Trust Fund aimed at raising billions of Naira to support the security operations in Abia State.
The Security Trust Fund 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. The overall goal is to provide logistics, equipment, communication tools, surveillance infrastructure and other critical support to enable security agencies respond effectively to challenges in real time.
The action -packed Governor, Dr. Alex Otti assembled the likes of Chief Arthur Eze (Eze N’Ikpo), Chief Deji Adeleke (Davido’s father) Chief Innocent Chukwuma, CEO, Innoson Motors, Architect Dr. Kaycee Orji, CEO, Roxettes Motors, Professor 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 Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Mbah, 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 International Company Limited and a host of other movers and shakers across Nigeria who are too numerous to mention.
Apart from the individuals that supported the project, some corporate organisations, banks, among others, especially those doing business with the Abia State Government were equally on ground and announced varying donations in support of the public launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund.
Governor Otti assembled those his friends to assist Abia State because he understands that security with its enormous tasks, is not only extremely expensive but demands the support of all and sundry. These assemblage of the Governor Otti’s friends and associates raised over 3.4 billion Naira towards the project.
Of course, the launcheon is in line with the provisions of the Abia State Security Trust Fund, Law 2024, which among other things, empowers the state to set up a specialised framework for mobilising, managing and deploying resources in support of our security infrastructure across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the convener of the launchon, Governor Alex Otti, said that, the launch is another layout programme in his holistic security outlook, focusing on prevention of criminal activities. He appreciated his allies for their donations and used the opportunity to stress on the need for Abians and residents not to be taking a passing interest in the issues of security around their vicinities.
It could be recalled that, on assumption of office, Governor Alex Otti declared a state of emergency on security and 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. In fact, Umunneochi and Isuikwuato were what could be described as “a no go area”. Consequently, Governor Otti, through the establishment of Operation Crush and other security interventions, including provision of armoured personnel carriers and other security vehicles with suffiscated gadgets stemmed the tides of insecurity and criminal activities. Today, Abia has become a stated of attraction for investors. Also, various unions, associations and institutes now see Abia as their choice destination for hosting conferences, workshops and stakeholders meetings.
The importance of the launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund cannot be over emphasised. This is because, insecurity creates economic and social crisis, impoverishes the population, and makes refugees of individuals and families in their homeland and so, should not be treated with kid gloves.
The Governor has already assured as usual that every Kobo raised from the luncheon would be judiciously applied. His assurances stem on the fact that, his administration has demonstrated prudence in the management of resources for the last 25 months of his government.
Governor Otti truly deserves commendation 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.
It is also important to note that, though Abia is relatively peaceful, Governor Otti has reiterated his commitment to the security of lives and property and has vowed not to rest on his oars in ensuring adequate security in the state.
With the understanding that security is everybody’s business, there is therefore need for every individual to take responsibility in supporting and complementing the Governor’s efforts towards achieving adequate security in Abia State. Also, there is need for everyone to be proactive and ensure that they report incidences of crime and criminality to the appropriate authorities.
