By Chika Kwamba
To further tighten security and ensure adequate protection of lives and property in Asaba, Delta State capital, Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge SAN, has launched a N100 million Asaba Security Trust Fund (ASTF).
The initiative is designed to complement government’s efforts by providing logistics, equipment and other forms of support to community policing, being the first line of defence within the community. He disclosed at the official launch of the ASTF held at the Ogwa Uku Ahaba that the initiative is a timely one.
It was attended by palace chiefs, as well as member representing Oshimili South Local Government Area in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, heads of various quarters in the community, key stakeholders, representatives of various security agencies and residents of the community.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the launch, the monarch emphasized that the initiative was not intended to undermine the state’s conventional security architecture but to support and strengthen the already existing structure.
“To the contrary, this is about supporting the government and improving the security architecture already on ground. We cannot say with finality that everything can be addressed using only the apparatus of government. Security is fundamentally local and community-based; hence, community policing is the most reliable support system for security agencies.
“When it matters most, our first recourse is the local vigilante. They liaise with the established security architecture of the state to combat challenges. Our role is to support them with logistics and equipment so they can discharge their responsibilities credibly.
“Asaba remains one of the safest cities in the country and we need to sustain that through proactive measures. We cannot sustain safety by folding our hands. We must be prepared at all times. Insecurity is gradually moving from the North to the South-West and the next could be the South-South. It will get to us if we are not prepared,” he warned.
In his opening remarks, Chairman, Asaba Security Trust Fund (ASTF), Chief Phillips Nwokolo, commended the monarch for his foresight and swift response to security concerns.
“Your Majesty, thank you for finding us worthy to serve. We promise transparency and accountability in managing the trust fund. No stain will be traced to this committee,” he assured.
Nwokolo underscored the aim of the trust fund, saying it is to pool resources to effectively manage community security, noting that security is capital-intensive and requires adequate logistics, including mobility, welfare and communication equipment for security operatives. “We will not wait until insecurity reaches our doorsteps. That is the essence of this launch, to mobilize resources ahead of time,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Asaba Community Vigilante, Ogbueshi Nnamdi Chukwuedo, described the initiative as a step in the right direction and pledged full commitment.
President of Asaba National Association, USA, Hon. Kennedy Okafor, applauded the initiative, noting that improved security would encourage indigenes in the Diaspora to return home and invest.
“With this initiative, our people can confidently come home and contribute to the development of our land”, Okafor stated.
