By Foster Akpore | Asaba | October 17, 2025
Orogun-born retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel E. Akpoyibo, has hailed Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his foresight in revamping the Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF), describing the initiative as “a strategic and sustainable answer to 21st-century security challenges.”
Delivering the keynote address at the formal relaunch and fund-raising ceremony held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, Akpoyibo praised the governor’s “proactive and strategic approach” to securing lives and livelihoods across the state.
The high-profile event, themed “An Afternoon with His Excellency,” brought together leading figures from the public and private sectors, including Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, who emerged Chief Launcher with a record ₦10 billion donation.
Governor Oborevwori, in his address, explained that though the Security Trust Fund was originally established by law in 2013, his administration had reactivated it as a sustainable framework for resource mobilisation to complement government efforts in maintaining public safety.
“Security is not the sole responsibility of government — it is everyone’s business,” the governor said. “Without security, development cannot thrive, businesses cannot flourish, and investors will hesitate to commit their resources. This Trust Fund represents our shared commitment to peace, public safety, and sustainable growth.”
He added that the renewed Fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance technology, operational vehicles, and communication equipment while supporting the training and retraining of security operatives and community vigilante groups across Delta’s 25 local government areas.
In his keynote speech, Akpoyibo emphasised that security and development are inseparable, quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s assertion that neither can exist without respect for human rights. He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that no state can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and instability.
“The Delta State Security Trust Fund is not just a government project,” Akpoyibo said. “It is a compact between all sectors of society — a collective investment in the safety, peace, and prosperity of our state.”
He appealed to individuals and corporate organisations to see their contributions as “strategic investments in their own operational stability and long-term profitability,” and lauded the participation of traditional rulers, security chiefs, and private partners for rallying behind the state’s vision.
The keynote speaker specifically commended the generosity of the event’s major donors — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s ₦10 billion contribution, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s ₦100 million donation on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and the moral and financial support of Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia — describing their gestures as proof of enduring partnership between the state and the private sector.
Chairman of the occasion, Aig-Imoukhuede, described the relaunch as “a defining moment in Delta’s history,” praising Oborevwori’s leadership for making the state one of Nigeria’s safest and most investment-friendly environments. “Our governor is both a driver and an enabler of progress. While others talk, he just gets it done,” he said.
Zenith Bank’s Jim Ovia also commended the initiative as “a bold and forward-looking effort” that would foster investor confidence and stability across Delta State.
Representing High Chief Ekpemupolo, Tantita Security’s Chief Keston Pondi said the ₦10 billion pledge was part of the company’s long-term commitment to peace and progress. “What we are launching today goes beyond financial contribution — it is a collective investment in Delta’s future,” he noted.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the DSSTF, Mr. Samuel Osasa, said the Fund’s revival would “reinvigorate and reposition the state’s security architecture to meet emerging threats,” while continuing to provide logistics and operational support to various security agencies.
In his closing remarks, Akpoyibo expressed gratitude to all partners and donors, reaffirming his personal commitment to the success of the Fund. “Let us leave here not just as attendees, but as champions for a secure Delta State,” he said. “Together, we can build a state where the pillars of security and development stand firm, ensuring peace, dignity, and prosperity for all.”
The Delta State Security Trust Fund was enacted by law in 2013 to promote collaboration between the public and private sectors in funding security operations, infrastructure, and capacity development. The relaunch marks a renewed chapter in Delta’s collective pursuit of safety and sustainable growth.