Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on the private sector to partner with government in strengthening security across the state. He made the appeal during the official launch of the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund, themed “Partnership for a Safer Akwa Ibom,” held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, on Tuesday.
Governor Eno said security is a shared responsibility, pointing out that across the world, even in advanced democracies, governments work hand-in-hand with corporations, agencies, and individuals to safeguard lives and property. With the creation of the trust fund, he noted, the private sector would now play a greater role in sustaining Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a safe, peaceful, and thriving state.
“We expect millions of visitors to troop into our state yearly to enjoy the facilities at the Arise Resorts, which will be commissioned in December and is projected to be the finest family-themed resort in the nation,” he said. “Alongside the International Conference Centre, the shopping mall, the Tropicana Hotel, and the International Worship Centre, we are building an environment where security must remain a top priority.”
The governor commended the dedication of security agencies who have worked tirelessly to ensure that criminals find no safe haven in Akwa Ibom. He pledged that his administration would continue to provide the enabling environment needed to reduce security challenges to the barest minimum.
Eno highlighted that security is central to his administration’s ARISE Agenda. Some of the initiatives introduced over the past two years include the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, led by retired Brigadier General Koko Essien, and the establishment of the Ibom Community Watch, which he said will soon be expanded. He also acknowledged the foundation laid by past leaders, attributing the state’s relative peace to their commitment.
The governor appreciated security chiefs for their efforts and thanked the Chairman of the Security Trust Fund, Paul Usoro, SAN, as well as the Speaker and members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for passing the bill establishing the fund, which has now become law.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, who chaired the event, praised Governor Eno for his passion and described him as a “rare breed” among his colleagues. He argued that governance should be people-centred and noted that Eno’s vision, reflected in what he termed “Umo-Eno-ism,” deserved study. He maintained that development and security are inseparable and urged stakeholders to key into the initiative.
In his remarks, the fund’s chairman, Paul Usoro, explained that the trust fund was designed as a public-private partnership model to address the huge financial demands of security. He called on stakeholders to demonstrate commitment, while assuring that his team would work with relevant agencies to drive the initiative effectively.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, described the project as evidence of Akwa Ibom’s proactive approach to security. He stressed that security should not be viewed as an expense but as an investment, promising full support to make the state a shining example of peace in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Essien (retd), welcomed the launch of the fund, noting that Akwa Ibom’s long coastline demands heightened security measures. Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, also praised the governor for his consistency in pursuing the goals outlined in his ARISE Agenda.
The event drew dignitaries from across the state, including Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Hon. Udeme Otong, Senators Udoma Udoma and Ekong Sampson, as well as other top government officials and stakeholders.
