By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday officially launched the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund (AKSTF), describing it as a vital public-private partnership to sustain peace, deepen security, and position the state as Nigeria’s leading vacation hub.
Speaking at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, Governor Eno emphasized that security is the foremost responsibility of government but equally a shared duty between government, citizens, and corporate stakeholders.
“With the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund, all hands will be on deck to maintain our reputation as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country,” he declared.
The Governor, who noted that Akwa Ibom continues to enjoy robust collaboration from security agencies, lauded past leaders for laying a strong foundation for peace and stability. He said his administration has built on this legacy with initiatives such as the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways and the Ibom Community Watch for grassroots intelligence gathering.
He further expressed optimism that the state’s request for an Army formation along the Oron maritime corridor will soon be approved, citing Akwa Ibom’s 129-kilometre coastline as a vulnerable corridor to sea-related crimes.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Rtd.), who chaired the launch, hailed Governor Eno for his humility and pragmatic approach to governance, even coining the phrase “UmoEnoism” to describe his leadership style. He urged transparency and efficiency in managing the fund, expressing confidence in the calibre of board members.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd.), explained that the fund will finance cutting-edge security tools including surveillance devices, gunboats, squad cars, communications gadgets, and specialized training under the government’s Safe City initiative.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the State Police Commissioner, Baba Azare, described the move as “proactive and visionary,” pledging full police support to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Chairman of the Trust Fund Board, Paul Usoro, SAN, underscored that insecurity in one locality affects the next, stressing that security is an expensive enterprise requiring joint financing. He assured that the Fund will be managed with a professional private-sector business model.
The event, themed “Partnership for a Safer Akwa Ibom”, attracted top dignitaries including Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Sen. Udoma Udoma, Sen. Ekong Sampson, Sen. Aniekan Bassey, as well as business leaders and captains of industry.
Governor Eno reiterated his vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into the country’s preferred tourist destination, saying: “The outflow of Nigerian tourists is huge. By sustaining peace and security, Akwa Ibom will remain the safest and most serene place to live, work, and holiday.”
