The Centre for African Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has praised the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla and the Navy for achieving breakthroughs in its campaigns against oil theft and arrests of criminals in the country.
CALSER also hailed Navy for its increased vigilance.
The centre, at a briefing on Wednesday, in Abuja, also applauded the Navy for their efforts in curtailing oil theft and loss of critical economic assets.
The Executive Director, Dr Uzah Thomas, said the giant strides recorded by the Navy are due to the exceptional leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
He said: “It would be recalled that upon assumption of office, the naval chief indeed hit the ground running by rejigging the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy to address the issues of crude oil theft and the safety of critical economic infrastructure on the country’s waterways.
“This much has been the case, and the gains recorded so far are tangible and far-reaching in addressing crude oil theft in the country. We wish to state that the Nigerian Navy has indeed risen to the occasion in maintaining a professionally competent and ethical naval force.
“This has translated to tangible gains in the war against crude oil theft, which hitherto assumed a dangerous dimension that resulted in severe economic losses to the country.
“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights views the efforts of the Nigerian Navy as commendable in recent times. It further indicates purposeful leadership by the Chief of Naval Staff, who, upon assumption of office, ensured that the Nigerian Navy is re-positioned to deliver on its constitutional mandate to the country.
“Therefore, it is no longer news that, in recent times, the Nigerian Navy has recorded outstanding success in the war against crude oil theft. Scores of vessels loaded with stolen crude have been intercepted, and operators of illegal refineries have been arrested and handed over for prosecution. If this tempo continues, crude oil theft will soon be a thing of the past.
“The Chief of Naval Staff has continued to display leadership. This attribute is needed to turn the country’s fortunes around for good. The example set in this case is worthy of emulation by those saddled with leadership positions in the country.
“It remains the position of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights that leaders in the country must always show dedication and patriotism. Their commitment to socioeconomic growth and development must be unwavering and unwavering if we desire to progress as a people and a country.
“The Nigerian Navy has set worthy examples in our quest for sustainable growth and development. This is highly commendable because the ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft would ultimately lead to an increase in crude oil production for the country, which would lead to improved revenue at the same time. This is also on the heels of the country’s significant earnings from crude oil.
“Undoubtedly, the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy indeed keyed into the new operational mandate introduced by the Chief of Naval Staff. Hence, the success recorded so far in the war against crude oil theft. This also indicates the pragmatic approach deployed to ensure total adherence to the new thinking and the new operational mandate introduced. “
The centre urged all relevant stakeholders to extend their support to the Nigerian Navy in the country’s war against crude oil theft.
The REACH Foundation Nigeria, in partnership with Afro-fusion sensation Burna Boy, celebrated a remarkable achievement with the successful unveiling of the renovated Cheshire Home in Borikiri, Port Harcourt.
The event, held on March 1, served as a testament to the transformative power of collective action in revitalising essential community institutions.
Cheshire Home has long stood as a bastion of support for the physically challenged individuals in Port Harcourt and its environs. Over time, neglect and inadequate maintenance have dimmed its functionality and support capacity.
Recognising the urgent need for intervention, The REACH Foundation Nigeria, alongside Burna Boy, launched an ambitious renovation project in July 2023 to breathe new life into the facility.
The unveiling ceremony was a joyous occasion, attended by esteemed guests, community leaders, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
The highlight of the event was the official unveiling, gracefully performed by Mr. Sam Ogulu, father of Burna Boy, symbolising the Ogulu family’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment and upliftment.
“We are thrilled to witness the culmination of months of hard work and dedication,” remarked Halliday Floretta, Chairperson of The REACH Foundation Nigeria’s Board of Directors. “The refurbished Cheshire Home stands as a beacon of hope and dignity for the physically challenged individuals in our community.”
Burna Boy, known for his fervent advocacy for social impact and community development, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful endeavour.
He remarked: “It is a privilege to be part of efforts to restore hope and dignity to the physically challenged individuals in our community. Together with The REACH Foundation Nigeria, we are effecting tangible change in the lives of those in need.”
The event featured musical performances, speeches, and a tour of the newly renovated facilities, providing attendees with a firsthand look at the impact of collaborative efforts in effecting positive change.
Looking ahead, The REACH Foundation Nigeria and Burna Boy remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting and empowering communities across Nigeria through various initiatives.
The successful unveiling of the Cheshire Home serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and philanthropy.
A chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has cautioned leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, over his comment against its gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Azembe Arena.
He urged the cleric to concentrate on his church work and leave politics to politicians or join politics.
Ayodele few days ago said NNPP candidate in Edo State, Arena will not make any significant success in September governorship election, saying Azena will only waste money if he continues to pursue his ambition.
A statement by Ajadi expressed shock at the utterances of Primate Ayodele, wondering why the man of God should act like that.
He wondered how Primate Ayodele was concerned about the NNPP candidate, wonder “is that part of his spiritual work?”
He said: “Our candidate has not come to you to solicit for help whether spiritual or financial, while narrowing down on Azemhe. Why don’t you concentrate on your spiritual work. Why are you jumping into politics?
“How much time have you spent in uplifting the spiritual lives of your church members. Is that what God sent you to tell people that are suffering.
“You will do well to keep to your job as a spiritual person. If you drag yourself into politics, you will be dragged in the mud and you won’t have any more respect.
“As a spiritual leader, there are avalanche of works to do but you leave that and concentrate on our candidate. How does it concern you, if he loses his money? Did God send you to tell him that?
“I will also call on members of his church to call him to order. NNPP is a new movement and is daily receiving members from other parties due to its laudable programmes.
“A statement or whatever from the likes of Primate Ayodele will not deter us in bringing succour to the suffering Nigerians starting from Kano and Edo State this year’s September.”
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft on Operation Delta Sanity has intercepted a vessel, Motor Tanker SWEET MIRI, suspected to have been involved in crude oil theft.
The navy said on Saturday evening that the vessel had 13 crew; one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians.
While briefing newsmen onboard the vessel, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan stated that the vessel had been of interest to the Navy and arrested on suspicion of crude oil theft.
He added on February 25, 2024, the vessel was observed to have switched off its Automatic Identification System to avoid detection.
The vessel was arrested 174 nautical miles of the coast of Nigeria, approximately 320 kilometers, heading to Benin Republic.
“This necessitated the deployment of Nigerian Navy Ship ABA to investigate the vessel. Subsequently, she was found carrying products suspected to be crude oil.
“Thereafter, NNS SOKOTO was deployed to double up the search and interdict the vessel. On arrival, it was discovered that she was carrying about 2 million liters of suspected product without approval.
“The FOC further disclosed that, in line with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the ship is opened for other agencies to come and take samples and carry out their own independent investigations to find out the culpability of the vessel. Also speaking, the FOC said that, the vessel is owned by a Ghanian and registered in Ghana by a Ghanian company.
“In the same vein, while giving update on the earlier arrested Motor Tanker VINNALARIS, the FOC said that, the CNS has instructed that the investigations of all arrested vessels should be conducted beyond the level of crew. In this regard, the FOC has extended the investigation to uncover the kingpins.
“He finally appreciated the efforts of DSS for assisting the Nigerian Navy in conducting investigations when matters of crude oil theft are brought to them,” the statement by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer, reads.
Victims of the 2022 flood disaster across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta state, Friday, received palliatives and relief materials from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The donation was part of efforts by the President Bola Tinubu-led government to address the current economic realities in the Niger Delta region.
Chairman of the NDDC board and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, represented by the representative of Delta state on the NDDC board, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya noted that the initiative would cushion the hardship faced by the flood victims.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Sapele Athletic Club in Sapele, Delta State, Igbuya explained that even though it happened in 2022, the victims were still suffering the aftermath of the disaster, adding that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda made it imperative for the interventionist agency to reach out to them.
“You remember the flood happened in 2022 and as you know President Bola Tinubu was not in office then, so was the NDDC Managing Director and Chairman of the board. But, when the issue came up, he graciously approved this relief operation,” Igbuya stated.
He maintained that the NDDC is committed to programmes that would affect the people positively, emphasizing that the board is engaging in activities that truly reflect the peoples needs and mandate of the board.
Items distributed include bags of rice and beans, mattresses, vegetable oil, noodles, toiletries, tomato paste, boats, cassava milling machines, sewing and grinding machines, salt, among other relief materials.
The community leaderships across the 25 local governments of the State, including women and youth groups were on hand to receive the items.
Speaking at the event, Onoriode Ogodo of Sapele-Okpe community while thanking the NDDC said “the items will go far in supporting those who lost homes and means of livelihoods during the floods.”
On his part, President-General of Elume community, Felix Emuobo, said: “With the materials in the right hands, we can rebuild and support our people through these difficult times. I commend the NDDC for their effort towards bringing relief to us.”
A Federal High Court in Abuja has shifted further trial in the charges against Ali Bello and Suleiman Daudu till March 14 with a
warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to be diligent in the conduct of the trial.
The Court, while granting accelerated hearing, threatened to close the charges against the defendants if the prosecution does not do due diligence.
Justice James Omotoso, who issued the warning on Friday, asked the anti-graft agency to always get all its witnesses and exhibits ready on adjourned dates so as to avoid delay.
He warned that he would not tolerate lackadaisical attitude from any of the parties in the matter while shifting resumption of trial to March 14, 15, 20 and 21 .
Justice Omotoso also directed the defendants to keep further objections against the trial at abeyance, especially to the final address stage.
The Judge, who made this observation while ruling in a motion on notice filed by Suleiman Daudu challenging the amended charges, however, refused to quash the 17-count amended charge, involving alleged money laundering.
The court also declined to transfer the trial of the two defendants to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, in line with the argument of the 2nd defendant through his counsel, Mr Jimoh Nureni, SAN, that since the alleged offence was committed in Lokoja, the proper and appropriate venue for trial should be at the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
The judge noted that the Federal High Court in Nigeria was one and that trial of any matter could be prosecuted in any of its divisions.
A Niger Delta group has raised the alarm over clandestine moves in Arogbo, Ondo State to undermine the Federal Government and NNPC‘s pipeline surveillance and security contract in the Niger Delta region.
A meeting was reportedly hosted by a militant figure from the Arogbo community allegedly to orchestrate disruptive actions targeting the nation’s hydrocarbon assets, stemming from grievances related to exclusion from the pipeline
It was learnt plans were underway to disrupt the ongoing pipeline surveillance and protection efforts that have demonstrated effectiveness over the past year.
Recent incidents of attacks on assets belonging to a private security company, coupled with threats to lives in the Ondo River region, are said to be linked to the nefarious agenda.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confront and neutralise criminal elements and economic saboteurs bent on undermining national security and prosperity.
Stakeholders have also called on key security and law enforcement agencies, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Directorate of State Security (DSS), and the EFCC to step into the matter.
The Ibom Developers have taken their community health intervention to Ikot Okwo, Ikot Ikwot and Ndauku communities of Ikot Abasi Local Government of Akwa Ibom State where it organised a two-day comprehensive medical outreach for indigent residents.
The programme held between February 6 and 7, 2024, which had as theme: ‘Good health your greatest asset’, is aimed at facilitating early resolution of community health issues, recognising the pivotal role that timely intervention plays in safeguarding the overall well-being of the community.
Among other health issues for which medical supplies were provided are Malaria, Typhoid, Blood Pressure, Cough, and Skin Rashes. Sugar tests were also conducted given the increasing rates of diabetes in the region. Those diagnosed were provided with guidance on lifestyle changes.
The Ndauku Community Women Leader, Mrs. Dorothy Akpan Robert, said the initiative by the company will empower the community by fostering healthy citizens and promote the culture of health consciousness and preventive care.
She said: “Our community is grateful for this generous gesture, and we sincerely acknowledge Ibom Developers dedicated efforts and compassion. This initiative by the company empowers the community by fostering a culture of health consciousness and preventive care.”
Public health involves preventing diseases, promoting health, educating communities, providing healthcare access, maintaining a healthy environment, and being prepared for emergencies. This helps build resilient communities, a priority for the company.
Speaking for his community, the Village Head of Ikot Ikwot Community, Chief Ukpe Uyo Amanama, said “Ibom Developers’ Medical Outreach Programme is a testament to the transformative impact that community-driven health initiatives can have on the lives of individuals and the health landscape of a region.”
He expressed happiness that Ibom Developers remained committed to the development and empowerment of host communities, focusing on addressing immediate health issues and promoting the well-being of communities, ensuring long-term healthy living.
According to the Village Chief, the initiative’s primary goal is to facilitate the early resolution of community health issues, recognising the pivotal role that timely intervention plays in safeguarding the overall well-being of the community.
He said good health is vital for the sustainable development of host communities, and serves as a foundation for economic and social progress. A healthy population is more productive, enabling greater workforce participation. Sound health reduces healthcare costs, encouraging economic stability. Socially, it enhances the quality of life, ensuring communities thrive.
Dignitaries present at the programme were Mrs. Dorothy Akpan Robert – Women Leader, Ndauku Community; Prince Felix Albert – Vice Council Secretary, Ndauku Community; Chief Happy Negro Dickson – Compound Head of Dickson Family, Ndauku Community; Chief Akpan Amos – Compound Head of Ikot Esighe Family, Ndauku Community; Chief Akpan Amos – Compound Head of Ikot Esighe Family, Ndauku Community; Chief Ufot Frank Udoekpo – Compound Head of Udoekpo Family, Ndauku Community; Chief Ukpe Uyo Amanama – Village Head of Ikot Ikwot Community and Imaobong Anthony Sylvanus – Women Leader Ikot Okwo Community.
It is true that most of the members of the highly revered Kaduna Elders’ Forum are well aware of the uncommon intellect of the young and the level-headed Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani. Not a few of the elders were however confounded, albeit positively, on Monday February 5, when the governor hosted the Elders’ Forum at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, the state capital.
The very influential members of the Kaduna Elders’ Forum, who were led by the duo of Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd) and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, were ostensibly at the Kaduna State Government House to felicitate Governor Sani following the affirmation of his resounding victory at the gubernatorial polls by the nation’s apex court, the Supreme Court; but the very profound Governor Sani seized the rare opportunity of the visit to present what many now regard as the state-of-the-state address to the respected elders. Curiously, the governor spoke largely off the cuff, underscoring his administrative depth and firm knowledge of the issues that matter.
Not surprisingly, the red-hot issues of banditry, kidnappings and other shades of insecurity and criminality in the state took the centre stage. Governor Sani did not only trace the root causes of the multifaceted crisis of insecurity in the state, he proffered workable solutions and gave the elders up-to-date steps his administration has so far taken, the results already achieved and the projections for the future.
For starters, the governor traced the security challenges in Kaduna State and the North-west zone of the country at large, to poverty, unemployment and poor leadership or governance at several tiers of the people’s being.
“What are the factors that have brought about this unfortunate state of affairs? Hopelessness, lack of education and lack of economic prosperity. Over 85 per cent of the people in the North-west are either not educated or financially excluded.
“No matter how much we talk and try to bring about peace, if we don’t look at the area of good governance, we will never end the problem of insecurity in Northern Nigeria in particular. People always talk about how the problem of insurgency ended in the North-east, but the insurgency is not the same as the problem of banditry and kidnapping that we have in the North-west. The North-east issue was about people that came from nowhere and talked about the ideology of Boko Haram. However here in the North-west, there is so much poverty; and if we don’t address the poverty by supporting our farmers and increasing productivity, we will not address the problem of insecurity,” he averred.
The governor also bemoaned the huge number of out-of-school children in the North-western part of the country, especially in Kaduna State, saying: “In Kaduna State, we have over 600,000 out-of-school children. This is unacceptable and we, in fact, view the situation as a ticking time bomb.”
The governor was however quick to inform the elders that since assuming office, his administration has been deploying very effective measures to stem this ugly tide, an example being the proactive collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and the Kuwait Fund. He said the Fund is currently supporting the state with $28 million to return hundred of out-of-school children back to school under the Qatar Sanabil Project.
Pursuant to the Sanabil Project, Qatar has also commenced the construction of 500,000 housing units for the less privileged residents of Kaduna State. The Mega Economic City project was officially inaugurated by Governor Sani and Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, in Kaduna in August 2023.
The project aims to improve the living conditions for underprivileged families in the state. Aside from the construction of the housing units, Qatar Charity shall be undertaking an array of interventions and empowerment programmes for the less privileged across Kaduna State. These programmes, many of which have commenced, include scholarships for orphans and children of the poor, distribution of sewing machines, welding machines, irrigation pumping machines, salon kits, and drilling of hundreds of boreholes across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.
According to Governor Sani, “The Economic City will provide world-class infrastructure and make Kaduna a reference point in modern and affordable accommodation with adequate security and a conducive atmosphere for business activities.
“It will facilitate international trade while serving as a platform for local entrepreneurs and traders. It will also harness product value chain opportunities and improve economic growth.” The governor said the project extends beyond housing, it also provides clinics, shops, poultry farms, and farmlands for the rainy season and irrigation farming.
On insecurity, he informed the elders that his administration is currently working hand-in-hand with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to fight and win the war against banditry, kidnapping and all other forms of criminality in the state. The governor recalled his visits to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (who incidentally is from Kaduna State), all the Service Chiefs as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA) in his quest to garner support to stamp out the multifaceted insecurity in Kaduna State. Members of the Kaduna State Elders Forum were visibly enthused when Governor Sani announced that the collaboration with the nation’s Armed Forces and other security agencies was already paying off.
“They (Armed Forces) have decided to set up two Forward Operation Bases in Kaduna, one in the Southern Kaduna, in Zangon Kataf to be precise and the other one in Birnin Gwari to serve Birnin Gwari down to Giwa. The FOBs will be set up in the next three weeks,” he told the elders.
The Kaduna State Governor was unequivocal in his assurances to the Kaduna Elders’ Forum that the days of bandits and other criminal elements, who have for a long while been terrorizing the state, were numbered.
A firm believer in good governance being the most potent weapon against insecurity, Governor Sani has tailored his administration to bring sustainable development to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State. Indeed, the governor’s topmost priority areas are the rural and underserved areas of the state. “The central policy thrust of our administration is Rural Transformation. We are committed to revitalizing our rural economies through massive infrastructural development,” the governor recently reiterated.
“Our people have been struggling to stay afloat in this harsh economic climate. As a government, we have been unrelenting in fashioning and implementing policies, programmes and projects to bring succour to the poor, underserved and the vulnerable. We are determined to reverse the negative development indices of Kaduna State. We are creatively and innovatively addressing the challenges of poverty and youth unemployment. We are prioritizing women and youth empowerment,” the governor assured stakeholders during the Kaduna State Core Security Council meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen of frontline areas, held in January this year.
Very conscious of the fact that the nefarious activities of bandits and other criminal elements, in especially rural communities in the state, will all-too certainly imperil his vision of aggressively curbing poverty and underdevelopment in underserved parts of the state, Sani has in addition to his administration’s fruitful collaboration with the nation’s armed forces and other security agencies, revitalized the Kaduna State’s Vigilante Service (KADVS). He beefed up the Service with 7,000 able-bodied persons who were trained by the Nigeria Police Force and he has since procured assorted security assets for the rebooted service.
The recruitment and screening of the trainees were in collaboration with critical stakeholders including local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders. Governor Sani has also affirmed that the initiative, apart from being a major step towards restoring security and development in the state, is also geared towards providing jobs for the teeming youth population in the state.
Poised to give the needed financial muscle to several security efforts his administration is undertaking, Sani recently signed into law the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill, created to provide funding support to the efforts being made towards degrading terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements. The new law repealed Kaduna State’s Security Trust Fund Law No. 22, of 2018.
The Kaduna State Governor believes that the legislation would help to raise funds for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment, personnel and materials, as well as their training.
The governor explained that the private sector would play a prominent role in the management of the trust fund in collaboration with critical stakeholders in the security sector. “The new law is also designed to align with global best practices. It is a model for other sub-nationals, as well as a clear demonstration of the state government’s commitment towards degrading terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements who have been laying siege to some communities in our state,” he added while appealing to corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to donate generously to the security trust fund.
Interestingly, the Federal Government and other states are keying into Sani’s long-running advocacy to alter Nigeria’s constitution to enable states to establish and run their respective police forces or services as is the case in most developing and developed countries of the world. It is on record that as a vibrant lawmaker in the 9th Senate, Sani sponsored series of bills seeking to have the nation’s constitution altered to accommodate State Police. Sani’s pro-state Police Bills while he was in the Senate include:
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill 2020 (SB. 592) – This Bill sought to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to amongst other provisions establish State Police Force in the 36 states of the Federation, change the name of the Police Service Commission to the Federal Police Service Commission, establish the State Police Service Commission and amend the Second and Third Schedules of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
Police Service Commission Act 2001 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 594) – This Bill sought to repeal the Police Service Commission Act 2001 and enact the Federal Police Service Commission (Est. Etc) Bill to amongst other provisions establish a Commission which shall be charged with discipline of all officers except in state police force and to dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over any person holding office in the Nigeria Police Force (other than the inspector-general of police).
Nigerian Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 593) – This Bill sought to alter the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to amongst other provisions establish an operational structure for State Police Force in the 36 states of the Federation, change the name of the Police Service Commission to the Federal Police Service Commission, and address new issues that are not covered under the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
State Police Service Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 595) -This Bill sought to enact the State Police Service Commission (Est. Etc.). The Bill was sculpted to amongst other provisions, establish a Commission which shall be charged with discipline of all officers in state police force and to dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over any person holding office in the State Police Force (other than the Commissioner of police).
Indeed, these Bills scaled the requisite hurdles in the Senate and were referred to the 9th National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Constitutional amendment. Their enactments into law suffered mainly due to the apparent lack of national consensus or political will at the time, to have the states establish their respective police outfits. However, now that the Federal and State Governments seem to be finally coming to terms with the imperative and even the urgency of altering the nation’s constitution to enable the 36 states of the federation to establish and run their respective Police Force or Service, to complement the efforts of the Federal (Nigeria) Police Force, the vast knowledge of Governor Sani of Kaduna State on this score would be very crucial.
In general it is becoming apparent that both the Federal Government and other sub-nationals in Nigeria may have to study, understand and harness Sani’s well-thought out panacea for insecurity in Kaduna State in particular and the country at large.
Dr. Kareem, a security expert, is based in Kawo, Kaduna State
Chairman of Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr Daniel Mayuku, has said its collaboration with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and other stakeholders was imperative to its success of providing funds to assist security agencies in the State.
The Board of the Delta Security Trust Fund was recently inaugurated by Gov Sheriff Oborevwori after Assembly lpassed it into law.
Mayuku, who led the board, yesterday, on a visit to the Delta Police Command in Asaba, pledged to support the police and other sister security agencies to keep Delta crime free by providing funds to fight crime.
He called on commercial banks and oil companies and public spirited Deltans to support the security trust fund, assuring that funds will be accounted for.
His words: ” We need every hand on deck to ensure it’s succeess.We need not just the oil companies, the banks are also important to us.Some of the banks in Nigeria are owned by Deltans who have made the Lagos State Security Trust Fund a success and they must remember that Delta is their home and must that our fund works”.
He reiterated the readiness of the board to partner with the state command in the discharge of its duties.
Delta Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi, assured that the Police State Command will give security of lives and property its utmost best.
Olufemi urged the Delta State Security Trust Fund to ensure the challenges facing all security agencies are adequately addressed.
‘His words: “I pledge that we will give security our utmost best in the State.We will collaborate with all our sisters’ security agencies to give our best shots to ensure that Delta is safe.”
According to him, the successes recorded by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund led the Federal Government to replicate it at the Federal level.
”The Police Trust Fund was set up to to equip , retrain the Nigerian Police to better serve the people of Nigeria.Security encompasses all of us coming together to ensure we have a safer society where people, businesses can thrive.
”It is only in a safe environment that businesses can thrive and it is only in a safe environment development can come.”
Abaniwonda presented a document conveying some of the needs of the command to the board chairman of the state’s security trust fund.
