Governor Alex Otti Mobilizes N3.4 Billion for Abia Security Trust Fund
...Rallies Friends , Associates, Business Leaders for Safer State
In a landmark move to boost the security architecture of Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has successfully mobilized over N3.4 billion from friends, political allies, and business associates at the official launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund (ASSTF).
The fund-raising luncheon, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, was organized in line with the Abia State Security Trust Fund Law, 2024, which empowers the State to establish a robust framework for mobilizing, managing, and deploying resources to enhance security across Abia.
Governor Otti, while addressing dignitaries and donors, underscored the importance of communal vigilance and preventive security strategies, stating:
“Insecurity creates economic and social crises, impoverishes the population, and turns families into refugees in their homeland. To counter the enormous cost of security crises, all of us must take more than a passing interest in the safety of our neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.”
He expressed deep appreciation to all donors and emphasized his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of the fund.
“Every kobo raised today will be judiciously applied,” he said, adding that his government has demonstrated prudence since taking office.
Governor Otti recalled the precarious security situation he inherited but noted that Operation Crush and other interventions have helped restore relative peace across the state.
“We will not rest on our oars. This initiative is part of a holistic security plan focused on crime prevention.”
The event attracted high-profile attendees including federal ministers, lawmakers, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and legal luminaries.
Top individual donations came from:
Chief Adedeji Adeleke – N500 million
Chief Arthur Eze – N200 million
Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson Motors) – N100 million
Other notable donors and attendees included:
Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power
Arc. Dr. Kaycee Orji, CEO of Roxettes Motors
Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji,
Chief Festus Onuh, CEO of Ferotex Construction
Chief Leslie Ezikpe, CEO of Goldrusch Ltd
Chief Ken Ahia (SAN),
Osita Offor, “The Ultimate Commander”
Chief Jackson Abba, CEO of Dovers Hotels Ltd
Engr. Henry Okoroafor, Blessed Henken Int’l Co.
Mr. Chiedozie Njoku, CEO of Checkbest Construction
Delivering his goodwill message, Chief Johnson Chukwu, Vice Chairman of the ASSTF Board of Trustees, said the Trust Fund is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at equipping security agencies with logistics, surveillance infrastructure, communication tools, and rapid response support.
“The goal is simple: to enable real-time response to security challenges.”
In her remarks, Mrs. Nkolika Cleopatra Ubani, Secretary of the Trust Fund and SSA to the Governor on Legal Matters, praised Otti’s unwavering dedication to securing lives and properties and called on stakeholders to support the preventive approach to crime fighting.
Federal stakeholders such as Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Dr. Uche Ogah, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and non-partisan.
Onyejeocha affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s full support for Otti’s security reforms and commended his transformational leadership, stating,
“I can now boldly declare my Abia citizenship with pride.”
The Chairman of the Occasion, Ide John Udeagbala, emphasized that security is everyone’s business and urged citizens to report crimes promptly and contribute meaningfully to the Trust Fund.
With this monumental step, Abia State under Governor Otti is charting a new course toward a safe, stable, and business-friendly environment, driven by collective responsibility, public-private collaboration, and visionary leadership.
