Enugu raises over N3bn, targets N20bn to tackle insecurity

The Enugu State Security Trust Fund has received over N3 billion in donations from well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to combat the spate of insecurity in the state.

The funds were raised during a fundraising dinner organised by the Fund at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu according to a statement by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office on Sunday.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ESSTF, Dr. Ike Chioke, who announced the donations, commended Mbah’s administration for its significant investments in security.

He emphasised that security is everybody’s business and that achieving the state’s $30 billion GDP target requires sustaining and consolidating security successes through contributions from citizens, corporate bodies, and the government.

“So, our target is N20 billion. Our population as a state is well over 5 million people. We think that 2 million working adults in the state, assuming each person contributes N1,000 every month, that is N2 billion a month already.

“If you get N2 billion naira a month for 12 months, it means that the citizens alone can raise N24 billion. That is for individuals alone before adding the government. That tells you our capacity,” he asserted.

Speaking during the occasion Governor Mbah recalled the dire security situation when his administration took office, highlighting the progress made in securing lives and property.

He noted that despite successes, there is no room for complacency, and concerted efforts are necessary to sustain security gains.

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

“But what difference 20 months make! Such wanton attacks have been pushed to the darkest recess 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,” he said.

Highlighting the massive investments of his administration in security, Mbah said there was much more to be done through concerted effort.

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

Critical stakeholders at the event, including the business mogul and philanthropist, Arthur Ezeh, commended Mbah for his strides in security and infrastructural development.

“Enugu is the capital of Igboland. The governor has a character like Mbakwe, like M.I Okpara, who I knew from childhood. This governor 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 very intelligent people,” Ezeh said.

The ESSTF aims to raise N20 billion, with a target of N5 billion for 2024. The Fund’s strategic objectives include fundraising, capacity building, technological advancement, advisory, and community engagement.

The Enugu state Government has established a command-and-control centre to monitor crimes across the state and invested hundreds of millions in security initiatives before the ESSTF’s inauguration.