Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday launched the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund (AKSTF), a bold initiative designed to cement peace, strengthen security architecture, and position the state as Nigeria’s top vacation destination.
Speaking at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, Governor Eno said while government bears the prime responsibility of securing lives and property, citizens and corporate stakeholders must also play their part.
“With this Security Trust Fund, all hands will be on deck to protect and defend our reputation as the safest and most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he declared.
The Governor lauded security agencies and past leaders for sustaining peace, noting that his administration has gone further with innovations such as the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways and the Ibom Community Watch for grassroots intelligence.
He added that discussions were ongoing for the establishment of an Army formation along the Oron maritime corridor to tighten surveillance on the state’s 129-kilometre coastline.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Rtd.), who chaired the event, commended Eno’s humility and pragmatism, branding his leadership philosophy as “Umo-Enoism.”
Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd.), explained that the fund will provide state-of-the-art assets ranging from surveillance technology and gunboats to patrol vehicles, communications gadgets, and specialized training under the Safe City initiative.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, hailed the project as “proactive and visionary,” pledging the Force’s commitment to reinforce Akwa Ibom’s security grid.
Board Chairman of the Fund, Paul Usoro, SAN, stressed that insecurity anywhere threatens stability everywhere, pointing out that “security is an expensive venture that requires collective financing.”
He assured that the fund would be managed with transparency and efficiency on a professional, private-sector-driven model.
The launch, tagged “Partnership for a Safer Akwa Ibom”, attracted political leaders, security chiefs, and business moguls, including Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Sen. Udoma Udoma, Sen. Ekong Sampson, and Sen. Aniekan Bassey.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his ambition to brand Akwa Ibom as the nation’s most secure and serene tourist haven.
“The outflow of Nigerian tourists is massive. By keeping our state safe and peaceful, Akwa Ibom will stand tall as the best place to live, invest, and holiday,” he said.
