The Enugu State Government has solicited stakeholders’ support to fund and actualised its proposed N20b Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF).
Dr Ike Chioke, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of ESSTF, made the appeal during the sensitisation of Enugu House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen in Enugu on the security fund on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Gov. Peter Mbah had on Feb. 13, 2024 inaugurated ESSTF and its board members that comprises individuals from private and public sectors, Civil Society Organisations and security agencies.
Chioke told them that ESSTF was a public private partnership with the anticipated contributions from State and Local Governments, corporate entities, Non Governmental organisations, religious bodies and individuals.
According to him, the aim is to pool collective resources together and enhance the commitment to ensuring safety and stability of all citizens in Enugu State.
He announced that the ESSTF would be officially launched on Feb. 13, one year after its inauguration.
“The funds will be used to purchase additional weaponry, empower vigilante group, support security agencies, purchase of security vehicles, installation of CCTV cameras and street lights among others.
“Beneficiaries are neighborhood watch groups, forest guard agency, Enugu State Police command, State Security Services and other security agencies.
“So before the launch, we feel that key stakeholders should be sensitised to help propagate the message about the fund to people in their constituents and local areas,” Chioke said.
He promised them proper accountability of the fund, stressing that every donor had something to gain for contributing.
A member of the board and the former Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, emphasised the need to secure Enugu State, saying the objective of the fund would not be achieved without the support of critical stakeholders.
The royal father, however, charged them to use their position to mobilise people at the grassroot to support the initiative.
Responding, the Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Uche Ugwu commended Mbah for being intentional in his developmental plans for the state.
He described security of the people as the primary obligation of any responsible government, pledging that members would not only support the fund but take the message to their various constituencies.
Speaking on behalf of other council chairmen, the Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Enugu State Mr Sydney Edeh, said his colleagues would align themselves with the security plan of the state government.
“We will not take this for granted and we will take the message to people in our respective Council Areas,” he said. (NAN)
