Fundraising: Enugu Security Trust Fund Rakes in N3bn

● Ferdy Agu 

…As Mbah Highlights Giant Strides in Security, Says No Complacency

Efforts to sustain and enhance the security of lives and property in Enugu State have gained significant traction, with well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations donating over N3 billion to the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF).

The funds were raised both physically and online during a high-profile fundraising dinner organized by the ESSTF at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Fund and Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Ltd., Dr. Ike Chioke, commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for its remarkable impact and investment in security. He specifically highlighted the establishment and inauguration of the Board of Trustees a year ago as a major milestone.

Dr. Chioke emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and essential for achieving the administration’s economic vision.

“The only way to achieve the $30 billion GDP mark set by the governor is by sustaining and consolidating the successes made in securing lives and property through contributions by citizens, corporate bodies, and all levels of government,” he stated.

“So, our target is N20 billion. Our population as a state is well over 5 million people. We think that if 2 million working adults in the state each contribute N1,000 every month, that would amount to N2 billion a month. Over 12 months, that would be N24 billion from individuals alone, before adding the government’s contribution. That tells you our capacity,” he asserted.

Governor Mbah, in his address, recalled the dire security situation before his administration took office and underscored the need for continued vigilance despite the progress made.

“Back then, criminals gleefully posted bodies of security personnel and the arms they had stolen through their brazenly regular attacks.

“But what a difference 20 months make! Such wanton attacks have been pushed to the darkest recesses of history. We have gained control of our streets. The outlaws who once held our people hostage have either been neutralized or fled.

“The pleasant experience arising from the vastly improved security is widespread: The businessman who could not open his shop and incurred losses as a result has found the confidence to do so; the child, who could not go to school every Monday in the past, can now confidently do so without any fear; our security men and women can now carry on their law enforcement duties without any brazen attack.

“But our job is not done yet; it needs to be sustained,” Mbah stated.

Highlighting his administration’s substantial investment in security, the governor reaffirmed the need for a collective approach to sustain these efforts.

“We have invested substantially in securing our state and continue to do so because there are no half measures in the fight against insecurity.

“The Enugu State Command and Control Centre is a logistical novelty built via cutting-edge innovation comparable to what exists in more advanced countries.

“It was a moment of pride for us when it was commissioned in January to national acclaim by the President.

“Even when no security official is in sight, our round-the-clock surveillance system that covers our streets and neighborhoods still ensures strict vigilance. The ultimate goal is to nip crime in the bud.

“This crime-fighting device is complemented by the Distress Response Squad, designed to react swiftly to any security breach or threat of it.

“It is also further boosted by a large fleet of 150 security vehicles embedded with AI-enhanced cameras deployed across the state.

“But enthroning a water-tight security system, such as we are implementing in Enugu State, requires a humongous amount of funds to sustain,” Mbah explained.

Among the critical stakeholders present at the event was business mogul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Ezeh, who lauded Mbah for his strides in security and infrastructural development.

“Enugu is the capital of Igboland. The governor has character like Mbakwe, like M.I Okpara, who I knew from childhood. This man—Governor Mbah—in less than one year transformed Enugu State. And because of what he has done in Enugu State, I became very happy as an Igboman and happy that we have people who are very intelligent,” Prince Ezeh said. GMTNewsng