Osun State Government on Tuesday, unveiled the Osun State Security Trust Fund (OSSTF) to tackle menace of kidnapping and boost security services.
The government revealed this at a media breifing held at the Governor’s Office in Osogbo.
Addressing journalists, Kunle Adepoju, the Chairman of Media and Public of the Trust, said the project will run on public-private partnership arrangement and it’s aimed at providing modern equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence tools to address crime and security challenges in the state.
Adepoju said the initiative, backed by law, is designed to mobilize resources from government, private sector players, development partners, and individuals.
“We are here to formally launch the Osun State Security Trust Fund an initiative designed by HE Senator Ademola Adeleke to strengthen our security architecture through collaboration, innovation, and shared
responsibility.
Security is the foundation upon which all meaningful development is built. Without it, businesses cannot thrive, communities cannot flourish, and citizens cannot live with confidence. While government has the primary responsibility to ensure safety, the realities of our time demand a broader, more inclusive approach. This Trust Fund embodies that approach.
“The Osun State Security Trust Fund is not just a financial mechanism, it is a platform for partnership. It brings together government, the private sector, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to pool resources and support our security agencies with the tools they need to perform effectively. From modern equipment and technology to training, logistics, and intelligence gathering, this initiative is designed to address critical gaps and enhance operational efficiency” Adepoju said.
He said the initiative will ensure transparency and accountability in every penny in its care.
“Transparency and accountability will be the guiding principles of this Fund. We have established a governance structure that ensures proper oversight, prudent management, and regular public reporting. Every contribution will be tracked, and every expenditure will be justified. The trust of our people is paramount, and we earned it and intend to maintain it.
“To our business community: your investments depend on a secure environment. This is an opportunity to directly contribute to the protection of your assets and the stability of the market in which you operate.
To our citizens: security is everyone’s business. Beyond financial contributions, your vigilance, cooperation with law enforcement, and commitment to peace are invaluable.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Implementation Committee, Femi Oyedipe described security as everyone’s responsibility, stating that government alone can not fund it.
Oyedipe said GovernorAdelekehas made tremendous move to ensure the state is safe for all and sundry.
He said, “no government can fund security apparatus alone; funding security is one of the most expensive things the government can embark on.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has made a lot of bold move before doing this; this is not something you just do overnight.
“Am sure you are aware that Lagos state was the first to start Security trust fund in Nigeria.
“The whole essence of the trust fund is to get PPP arrangements towards funding security. There is a board in place consisting of critical stakeholders. The fund is designed suchthat whenever there is need for infrastructure within the security, we approach the Security Chief, as the Governor of the state and pass same request to the board for action.”
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