The Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) has garnered over N3 billion in contributions from generous individuals and corporate organizations to strengthen efforts against rising insecurity in the state.
These funds were raised at a high-profile fundraising dinner hosted at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, as disclosed in a statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office on Sunday.
Dr. Ike Chioke, Chairman of the ESSTF Board of Trustees, who announced the contributions, lauded Governor Mbah’s administration for its robust security investments. He underscored that security is a collective responsibility, stressing that achieving the state’s ambitious $30 billion GDP target hinges on sustained security improvements, which require continued contributions from the public, businesses, and the government.
“Our target is N20 billion. With over 5 million residents in the state, if just 2 million working adults contribute N1,000 each month, we can generate N2 billion monthly. Over a year, that amounts to N24 billion from individuals alone—excluding government funding. That highlights our capacity,” Chioke explained.
Reflecting on the security landscape before assuming office, Governor Mbah recalled how criminal activities once plagued Enugu, with security personnel targeted and their weapons seized in brazen attacks. However, he noted significant progress has been made in reclaiming the streets from criminals.
**“Just 20 months ago, criminals openly boasted about their attacks on security operatives. Today, those dark days are behind us. Our streets are secure again, and the outlaws who once terrorized our people have been neutralized or driven out.
Businesses that once shuttered out of fear are now thriving. Students, once afraid to attend school on Mondays, now do so with confidence. Security forces can carry out their duties without the constant threat of assault. But our work is far from over—it must be sustained,”** he stated.
Governor Mbah highlighted his administration’s substantial investments in security infrastructure, including the Enugu State Command and Control Centre, a cutting-edge surveillance facility comparable to those in more advanced nations.
**“This state-of-the-art center, inaugurated in January by the President, enables 24/7 monitoring of our streets and neighborhoods, ensuring swift response to criminal activities. Even when security personnel aren’t physically present, AI-driven surveillance keeps watch.
This system is complemented by a Distress Response Squad, a rapid-response unit trained to tackle security breaches, and a fleet of 150 AI-powered patrol vehicles deployed across the state. However, sustaining this level of security requires significant financial resources,”** Mbah emphasized.
Prominent figures at the event, including business mogul and philanthropist Arthur Ezeh, applauded Governor Mbah for his transformative leadership in security and infrastructure development.
“Enugu is the heart of Igboland. The governor reminds me of the great leaders of the past, like M.I. Okpara and Sam Mbakwe. In less than a year, he has reshaped Enugu, and as an Igbo man, I am proud of his achievements,” Ezeh remarked.
The ESSTF has set a fundraising target of N20 billion, with N5 billion earmarked for 2024. Its core objectives include fundraising, capacity building, technological advancements, advisory services, and community engagement.
Before the ESSTF’s establishment, the Enugu State Government had already allocated hundreds of millions to security initiatives, including the development of its advanced command-and-control center to monitor and combat crime across the state.