Obi Floats Security Trust Fund

Governor Peter Obi has launched a Security Trust Fund to help combat insecurity in the 177 communities of the state, especially during the yuletide.

Performing the ceremony in Awka recently, Obi noted that the state was the first in the South-East to launch the fund, and the second in the country after Lagos.

Obi said that the administration was targeting between N1.5 billion and N2 billion for the project within two years, stressing that N300 million had already been put into the project.

He said that he had released N1 million grant to all communities to ensure security in their communities and another N1million for palliative measures on roads, which was given to the presidents-general of the communities.

The governor noted that his administration would aggressively source for funds from all indigenes all over the world, stressing that his dream was to make the state a model for others.

He named Chief Ajulu Uzodike, as Chairman, Board of Directors of the fund, while Mr Okechukwu Okoye would serve as secretary.

Obi urged the board members to work for posterity as they were carefully selected to make the dream a reality.

He restated the state government’s total support adding that he had already provided 200 patrol vehicles, five Amoured Personnel Carriers, communication equipment and logistic support for various legitimate security outfits in the state.

In his remarks, the Minister for Agriculture, Dr Adewunmi Adeshina, said that he was in the state to tour rice facilities, and promised to work with Anambra government in ensuring large production of rice.

Uzodike, who expressed appreciation for the visionary stand of the governor, noted that the fund was not a government thing, but a move to make the state secure for all.

He called on people of the state to donate generously to the fund, stressing that it would help to advance security in the state.

He said the fund would help to tackle security challenges in Anambra and that two patrol vehicles had been released to ensure the safety of travellers at “the notorious Upper Iweka junction“ in Onitsha.

The Chairman of the defunct Triax Airline, Prince Arthur Eze, announced a donation of N500 million with a down payment of N50 million.

Also speaking the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Hazfiz Ringim, said that Anambra was the second state to launch the fund.

Represented by Mr Azubuko Udah, the DIG Force Headquarters, Ringim urged the people to complement the Federal Government to achieve a peaceful environment across the country.