HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 15^TH OCTOBER, 2025 AT THE BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA  AT 12 NOON

(An Afternoon with His Excellency, the Executive  Governor of Delta State)

PROTOCOL,

• Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State,

 A leader of exceptional vision and unwavering resolve.

• Your Excellency, The Deputy Governor, Delta State,
• The Distinguished Chairman of this occasion, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, The Group Chairman, Access Holding Plc
• The Highly respected Chief Launcher, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo,
• The Secretary to the State Government,
• Esteemed members of the State Executive Council,
• Our revered Royal fathers,
• The dedicated Leadership of our Security Agencies,
• Proud partners from the Corporate World here present,
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a distinct privilege to share this platform with an administration that has empirically placed Delta State on an irreversible path of outstanding development and progress. Your Excellency, your remarkable track record is demonstrated across the landscape of our state in monumental infrastructural projects, from the revolutionary transformation of road networks to critical investments in health and education, creating clear indicators of modern development.

These giant strides are profoundly complemented by your steadfast commitment to security, recognizing it as the essential foundation upon which all other development -indices rest. Your visionary leadership in championing this Security Trust Fund is a testament to your proactive and strategic approach to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of every Deltan, ensuring that our state is not only open for business but is also, a safe haven for its people.

The former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan of blessed memory once said, and I quote: –

“We will not enjoy security without development, we will not enjoy development without security, and we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.”

This timeless wisdom from the former UN Secretary-General, perfectly frames the critical imperative of our gathering here today.

We are here because we understand that a state cannot prosper in an atmosphere of fear and instability. Economic ambitions are stifled, educational pursuits are interrupted, and the very fabric of our community is frayed when security fails. Conversely, security efforts cannot be sustained in a vacuum of poverty and despair; they must be underpinned by tangible development and hope.

This symbiotic relationship demands a new thinking and a paradigm shift, to   a collaborative model that looks beyond the traditional approach of regarding security as the sole and exclusive responsibility of the government. It calls for a united front, a compact between all sectors of society to build a fortress of peace and prosperity in and around our state.

In this regard, the Delta State Security Trust Fund, will provide a fundamental platform that will promote inclusiveness and citizen’s collaboration and participation, in developing a robust and strategic security architecture that will enhance the safety of lives and property in the state, while creating a conducive environment for private and public economic ventures to thrive.

It is therefore, with a profound sense of duty and optimism that I stand before you, fully aligned with the vision of this administration, to lend my voice to this crucial conversation and to rally the indispensable support required for its success.

CORE CONCEPT OF THE SECURITY TRUST FUND

The Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF), already established by Law is a strategic and sustainable answer to the 21^st Century complex security challenges. It is a structured vehicle designed to translate our collective will into actionable resources, providing our brave security personnel with the modern tools, advanced technology, and continuous training and retraining which they urgently require.

This is a direct investment in force multiplication. The benefits of our security agencies equipped with state-of-the-art communication gadgets, combat patrol vehicles, forensic capabilities, and un-manned Aerial Surveillance Systems cannot be underestimated. This is not being extravagant; it is a necessity to combat the 21st-century threats with 21st-century security architecture!

I call upon every well-meaning individual and corporate entities here present and those watching or listening from afar off, to see this Fund as the most critical project that MUST be supported. Your contribution is a strategic investment in your own operational stability and long-term profitability, safeguarding your assets and your personnel.

To our revered traditional rulers and community leaders, your partnership is the bedrock of intelligence and trust. You are the crucial link that will embed this initiative within our communities, ensuring local ownership and fostering the cooperation that turns citizens into active stakeholders in their own security.

Let us also continue to be visionary to use this platform to address criminogenic factors in Delta State; knowing that enhancing security and safety of lives and property will invariably provide a solid foundation for initiatives upon which youth empowerment through education and skills acquisition can be laid.

CONCLUSION

The launching of this Fund is not only a superlative declaration of sustainable action, but its triumph will also be written in our sustained commitment and collective action beyond this moment. As a retired Deputy Inspector-General of police, who successfully leverage on a similar project to reduce crime to the barest minimum in Lagos while serving there as the State Commissioner of Police; I pledge my unwavering experience and support to this noble cause in my own State.

The responsibility is now ours. Let us leave here today not just as attendees, but as champions and ambassadors for a secure Delta State. Let us give generously, advocate passionately, and collaborate tirelessly.

Together, let us build a Delta State where the pillars of security and development stand strong, fostering a legacy of peace, dignity, and prosperity for all.

Thank you and God bless you all for your attention; God bless Delta State of Nigeria.