By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Government on Thursday officially launched the Osun State Security Trust Fund, a major public-private initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture and improving response to emerging threats across communities.
The event, held at the WOCDIF Event and Conference Centre, Ring Road, Osogbo, attracted top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and representatives of the private sector.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Ademola Adeleke described the initiative as a critical intervention designed to complement government efforts with private sector support in addressing security challenges.
He said the rising complexity of insecurity in parts of the country made it necessary for states to adopt innovative funding mechanisms to protect lives and property.
“We all know Nigeria faces security challenges. Yet, available public financing resources are limited. Governments at all levels then initiate public-private partnerships to bridge the funding gap,”.
Adeleke stressed that the Security Trust Fund is not a political project but a deliberate policy response to strengthen safety and stability in Osun State.
He noted that several states across Nigeria already operate similar frameworks, adding that Osun had previously begun the process which was later abandoned before his administration revived it.
The governor disclosed that proceeds from the fund would be used to upgrade security infrastructure across the state, including the establishment of a modern command and control centre with real-time CCTV surveillance.
He added that his administration is also prioritising the provision and refurbishment of operational vehicles, including Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), motorcycles, and other logistics for security agencies.
“We will continue the provision of operational tools required by our security agencies,” he said.
Adeleke also announced an initial government contribution of ₦300 million to kickstart the fund, describing it as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening security.
“We have refurbished several Armoured Personnel Carriers. We have purchased several vehicles. We will soon distribute them to relevant security services,” he added.
The governor called on corporate organisations, financial institutions, development partners, professional bodies, and individuals to support the initiative, assuring that all contributions would be managed with transparency and accountability.
“As a trust fund regulated by law, I assure you of strict accountability, transparency and due process in the management of the trust fund,” he said.
He also commended security agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in maintaining peace in the state, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders for their support at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Prince Samuel Ojo, said the fund was designed to mobilise resources from both public and private sources to enhance the capacity of security agencies.
He warned of possible spill-over effects from insecurity in neighbouring states such as Kwara State, Ekiti State, and Ondo State, noting that Osun’s border communities remain vulnerable to threats such as kidnapping, illegal mining, farmers-herders clashes, and cult-related violence.
Despite these concerns, he commended security operatives for sustaining relative peace across the state.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, emphasised that security is a collective responsibility that requires active participation from all stakeholders.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Any meaningful effort to protect our people must be supported to ensure that Osun remains an attractive destination for growth and investment,” he said.
He explained that the Security Trust Fund will support procurement of surveillance systems, communication gadgets, patrol vehicles, and other logistics to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Igbalaye assured stakeholders that the fund would be transparently managed and deployed in line with global best practices, while urging continued support from all sectors of society.
“This is not just a call for support but a call to shared responsibility. The safety of our people and the future of our state depend on the actions we take today,”.
The launch of the Security Trust Fund marks a significant step in Osun State’s security reform agenda, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will improve crime prevention, strengthen community safety, and boost investor confidence in the state’s economy.
