Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) says the only way to achieve the $30 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) mark by the state government is by sustaining and consolidating successes made in security.
Dr Ike Chioke, the Board of Trustees Chairman of the trust fund, said this during the fundraising dinner for the fund in Enugu on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Gov. Peter Mbah had on Feb. 13, 2024 inaugurated ESSTF and its boards members that comprises individuals from private and public sectors, Civil Society Organisations and security agencies.
Chioke commended Gov. Peter Mbah administration for the huge impact and investments made in the area of security, including the constitution and inauguration of the Board of Trustees of ESSTF in 2024.
“Security is everybody’s business. So, our target is N20 billion and our population as a state is well over 5 million people.
“We think that 2 million working adults in the state, assuming each person contributing N1,000 every month, that is N2 billion a month already.
“If you get N2 billion 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 said.
Speaking, the governor recalled the grave security situation at the time his administration came on board, noting that there was no room for complacency in spite of the massive successes.
“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 and we have gained control of our streets. The outlaws who once held our people hostage have either been neutralized or fled,” Mbah said.
According to him, the businessman who could not open his shop and incurred losses as a result of threat 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,” he stressed.
Mbah said when no security official was in sight, the round-the-clock surveillance system that covered the streets and neighbourhoods still ensured 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, 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, Prince Arthur Ezeh, commended Mbah for his strides in security and infrastructural development.
Ezeh said the governor had characteristics like Sam Mbakwe and Michael Okpara, whom he said he knew from childhood.
“Gov. 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,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than N3 billion was raised at the event.
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