Governor Ademola Adeleke
- says fund will boost safety,
seeks public-private support
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Government has announced plans to launch the Osun State Security Trust Fund on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen security architecture and enhance safety across the state.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Ademola Adeleke, is designed to mobilise resources through a collaborative framework involving government, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and citizens.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Kunle Adepoju, described the fund as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing critical gaps in the state’s security system.
He stressed that security remains the foundation for economic growth and social stability, noting that no meaningful development can take place in an unsafe environment.
“The Osun State Security Trust Fund is not just a financial mechanism, but a platform for partnership. It allows stakeholders to support our security agencies with the tools they need to function effectively,” he said.
Adepoju explained that the fund would support the provision of modern equipment, technology, training, logistics, and intelligence gathering to improve the operational efficiency of security agencies in the state.
He assured stakeholders that transparency and accountability would guide the management of the fund, adding that a governance structure has been put in place to ensure proper oversight and prudent utilisation of resources.
“Every contribution will be tracked, and every expenditure will be justified. Public trust is critical to the success of this initiative, and we are committed to maintaining it,”
He called on the business community to support the initiative, noting that a secure environment is vital for protecting investments and sustaining economic growth.
Adepoju also urged residents to see security as a collective responsibility by remaining vigilant and cooperating with security agencies.
“Security is everyone’s business. Beyond financial contributions, citizens must work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful society,” he said.
Support for Security Agencies
Adepoju noted that the establishment of the trust fund reflects the government’s confidence in the dedication and professionalism of security agencies operating in the state.
He assured that the initiative would provide the necessary support to enable them to perform their duties more effectively.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Implementation Committee of the Osun Security Trust Fund, Mr. Femi Oyedipe, highlighted the importance and expected benefits of the initiative.
He said the fund would significantly enhance the performance of security agencies and improve overall safety in the state.
Oyedipe noted that the state had understudied models from other states, including Lagos, Ogun, and Delta, where similar trust funds have recorded positive results.
He emphasised that security is a collective responsibility that cannot be handled by government alone, stressing that partnerships with relevant organisations and agencies would help tackle crime more effectively.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, said the administration of Governor Adeleke had been carefully working on modalities to ensure the success of the trust fund.
He, however, warned that individuals, including factional local government chairmen, who allegedly donated motorcycles to security agencies without due process and proper authorisation would be held accountable.
Alimi cautioned that any unauthorised handling of local government funds would attract legal consequences.
Hope for Improved Security
Other stakeholders who spoke with journalists expressed optimism that the full implementation of the Security Trust Fund would lead to improved security coordination and more effective responses to criminal activities across the state.
They noted that the initiative could significantly reduce crime and enhance public confidence in the state’s security framework.
The planned launch marks what officials describe as the beginning of a sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Osun State.
Observers, however, say the success of the Security Trust Fund will depend largely on public participation, transparency in management, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
