Abia targets N15 billion for security trust fund

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Abia Government says it hopes to raise a whopping N15 billion during the official launch of the state's Security Trust Fund slated for January 30.

Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Chief Ukapai Agwu Ukpai who disclosed this during a press briefing yesterday in Umuahia gave the venue of the launch as the International Conference Centre Umuahia.

Ukpai who described as  worrisome the activities of the killer Fulani herdsmen which he said posed grave national security threat said Abia State would not leave the security of its citizens and residents to chances.

He  said the state government decided to launch the security trust fund as a pool to help tackle security issues in the state.

According to him, the aim of the trust fund was to raise sufficient fund to procure high- tech security equipment to enable  security agencies in the state discharge their duties more efficiently.

Chief Ukpai noted that the principal function of any government was to protect lives and property of citizens, hence the commitment of the Ikpeazu-led administration to ensure the safety of all Abia residents.

He said the  launch was in pursuant to the state's Security Trust Fund Law recently enacted by the Abia  House of Assembly.

In his contribution, Coordinator of the Trust Fund, Mr. Darlington Anyanwu said that the Act also required that three per cent deduction of all government contracts be paid into the fund as part of contribution by government contractors.

He solicited the cooperation and support of individuals, groups and cooperate organisations in the state to ensure the success of the event.