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Adeleke Defends Activation of Osun Security Trust Fund, Faults Oyetola Over Abandonment
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Adeleke Defends Activation of Osun Security Trust Fund, Faults Oyetola Over Abandonment
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has defended the activation of the Osun State Security Trust Fund, describing it as a necessary response to rising insecurity and dwindling public sector funding.
Speaking at the official launch of the fund in Osogbo on Thursday, the governor said the initiative would provide a sustainable funding framework for strengthening the state’s security architecture through public-private partnership.
To demonstrate commitment, Adeleke announced a donation of N300 million to the fund.
Billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke also donated N500 million, while other corporate organisations made contributions.
The governor said the administration would soon distribute refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers and new patrol vehicles to security agencies. “Our administration is determined to maintain Osun’s record as one of the most peaceful states in the country,” he said.
He criticised the immediate past administration of Gboyega Oyetola for abandoning the initiative, describing its revival as long overdue.
“Several states in Nigeria have established security trust funds.
Osun had started the process, but it was abandoned under the last administration.
Our government decided to revive the initiative by updating the law and organising this launch,” Adeleke stated.
He explained that the fund was designed to bridge funding gaps in the face of limited government resources and growing security challenges.
“This is not a political project or a self-serving policy.
It is a necessary step to secure our people. Only an irresponsible government will abandon a public-private partnership that is working effectively in states like Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers,” he added.
The governor noted that the fund would support the establishment of a modern situation room with real-time CCTV surveillance, as well as provide operational tools for security agencies.
“This fund is designed to provide sustainable funding for modern security infrastructure.
Through it, we will strengthen the capacity of our security agencies and improve response mechanisms,” he said.
Adeleke also assured stakeholders of transparency in the management of the fund. “As a trust fund regulated by law, I assure you of strict accountability, transparency and due process,” he said, while calling on the private sector, financial institutions and indigenes of the state to support the initiative.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, commended the governor for activating the fund years after its enabling law was passed in 2012, and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.
