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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund (AKSTF), describing it as a bold public-private partnership to sustain the state’s reputation as one of the safest in the country.
Speaking at the official launch at Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno said his administration has devoted resources to sustaining peace and called on the private sector to join hands in strengthening the state’s security architecture.
“We are launching the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund – a public/private partnership vehicle to put all hands on deck to ensure we continue to live in a safe and secure environment so the people may pursue their legitimate undertakings,” he declared.
Governor Eno noted that peace and security remain the bedrock of development, stressing that his administration’s goal is to make Akwa Ibom Nigeria’s preferred vacation destination.
“With the huge outflow of Nigerian tourists, Akwa Ibom is being transformed into the best vacation destination in Nigeria. Security is the first order of government, but it is also a shared responsibility,” he said.
The governor recalled efforts to deepen safety in the state, including the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways and the Ibom Community Watch, a grassroots initiative for intelligence gathering.
He further expressed appreciation to security agencies, stating:
“That we are celebrated for being one of the safest states in the nation is because of the patriotic and passionate work they have done in partnering with the government to ensure criminals don’t have a haven here in our dear state.”
Governor Eno concluded with a call to collective responsibility:
“We are dedicating ourselves to expanding and deepening this ideal of peace and security. With the support of the government, citizens, and the private sector, we will make Akwa Ibom the safest home and Nigeria’s number one vacation destination.”
The Chairman of the occasion and former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Rtd.), lauded the Governor’s model of inclusive governance and passion in addressing the State’s security concerns.
“The model of security management in Akwa Ibom gives citizens a responsibility to contribute to the security of the state, despite the government’s primary duty to maintain law and order,” he noted, while urging transparency and efficiency in fund management.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd.), said the Trust Fund will finance technology-driven interventions, including surveillance devices, gunboats, squad cars, and the Safe City initiative, highlighting that Akwa Ibom’s 129 km coastline, which is 13% of Nigeria’s total, makes it vulnerable to maritime crimes.
“The intention of government is to reorganise our response team, equip them with modern technology, and ensure security agencies are always ahead of criminals,” Gen. Essien said.
Also, the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, described the initiative as “a proactive and visionary step” to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
“The Security Trust Fund is an opportunity for every citizen to play a role in security management, and the police will fully support this process to sustain Akwa Ibom’s record as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria,” he assured.
Chairman of the Trust Fund, Mr Paul Usoro, SAN, said the public-private partnership approach was necessary because “security is expensive business”, adding:
“This fund will support the government’s investments in security, and with a private-sector management model, we will ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The event, themed “Partnership for a Safer Akwa Ibom,” was attended by critical stakeholders, as well as captains of industry and corporate leaders who donated to the trust fund and pledged continuous support.