Oborevwori Relaunches Delta Security Trust Fund, Receives ?10bn Donation from Tantita Security

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday relaunched the Delta State Security Trust Fund, with a landmark ?10 billion donation from Tantita Security Services Limited, owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).

The high-profile event, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Asaba, drew leading figures from Nigeria’s business, security, and traditional institutions.

Among attendees were Access Holdings Group Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (CFR), who chaired the ceremony; Zenith Bank Founder, Jim Ovia (CON), who served as Special Guest of Honour; and Chief Keston Pondi, representing Tompolo, who made the ?10 billion contribution as Chief Launcher.

Governor Oborevwori explained that the Security Trust Fund, established by law in 2013, was designed to mobilise private sector support to complement government’s investment in security.

He said the fund will focus on procurement of surveillance gadgets, operational vehicles, communication systems, and training of security operatives and community vigilantes across the 25 local government areas.

“Security is everyone’s concern, not just the government’s. Without safety, there can be no progress. This Fund symbolises our collective resolve to sustain peace, safety, and economic growth,” the governor stated.

Oborevwori announced that 0.5% of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would be dedicated monthly to the fund, pledging transparent management and urging continued private sector participation.

He also highlighted reforms in security operations, including the restructuring of Operation Delta Hawk into Operation Delta Sweep, a multi-agency task force comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and NSCDC.

“True and lasting peace is possible when citizens, especially the youth and women, are actively involved in economic development,” he added.

Chairman of the occasion, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, hailed the initiative as a “watershed moment in Delta’s development story”, commending the governor’s pragmatic leadership and announcing a ?100 million personal donation from himself and his wife, Ofure.

He expressed optimism that the fund could attract up to ?100 billion by 2025, calling the relaunch “the beginning of a journey toward a safer, stronger Delta.”

Jim Ovia, Founder of Zenith Bank, also praised the governor’s foresight, describing the fund as a visionary and inclusive approach to security management, and reaffirmed the bank’s partnership with the state.

Representing Tompolo, Chief Keston Pondi said the ?10 billion donation reflects the private sector’s confidence in the initiative, describing it as “a strategic investment in Delta’s peace and stability.”

Delivering the keynote address, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, applauded Delta’s infrastructural progress and called for technology-driven policing, inter-agency collaboration, and regular training of personnel.

Earlier, Samuel Osasa, Executive Secretary of the Security Trust Fund, said the relaunch was aimed at repositioning the fund to address emerging security challenges, citing past interventions such as vehicle donations, equipment support, and modern facilities at the State Police Command.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and generous pledges from corporate and public stakeholders, all expressing renewed commitment to peace, safety, and sustainable development across Delta State.