Otti Launches Security Trust Fund, calls for Generous Donations

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund (ASSTF) with a call on philanthropists and organisations to contribute generously to the fund.

Speaking during the occasion in Umuahia, tagged “Building a Safer Abia,” Otti said that security should treated as a shared responsibility by the government, businesses, and citizens.

He said the launch is another layout programme in his holistic security outlook, focused on prevention of criminal activities.

He charged Abians residents to take more than a passing interest in issues of security around their vicinity in order to counter the enormous cost of security crisis.

“Insecurity creates economic and social crises, impoverishes the population, and makes refugees of individuals and families in their homeland,” he said.

“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

According to the governor, the fund, backed by law, would support operational equipment, intelligence systems, and technology to detect and  deter crime in Abia.

“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,” Otti said.

The governor assured that every donation would be prudently applied, noting that the exercise would not be a one-off.

“This is a continuous exercise. When we call, answer with generosity and duty,” he said.

“We’re setting up a quick-response centre to improve coordination and public safety through real-time data,” he said.

In her speech, the Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to security, emphasising that peace in Abia would positively influence national stability

Onyejeocha urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity in their communities, as security should not be left to the government alone.

The Chairman of the ASSTF Board of Trustees, Mr Stanley Obiamarije, described the event as pivotal in Abia’s journey towards greater security and commended the governor for revitalising the trust fund through decisive leadership, political will and actionable commitment.

Obiamarije, represented by his Vice, ,Mr Johnson Chukwu, reaffirmed that the fund would operate as a public-private partnership supporting security agencies with equipment and logistics.

He stressed that accountability and transparency would be applied in managing the funds, with all contributions documented.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagbala, called for a grassroot strategy known as “See it, Say it, Sort it”, to encourage prompt reporting and better cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Udeagbala proposed that one per cent  of the state’s Gross Domestic Product be allocated to security, and advocated for a transparent levy to ensure consistent and inclusive funding.

He added that only through unity could Abia build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for all citizens and investors.

In an interview, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Comdr Macdonald Ubah (Rtd), described the fund as a strategic move to sustain peace and reduce financial strain on government.

Ubah emphasised that security is the bedrock of development and urged continued support to strengthen Abia’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.