News
Fundraising: Enugu Security Trust Fund rakes in N3bn
…As Mbah highlights giant strides in security, says no complacency
The bid to consolidate the improved security of lives and property in Enugu has gathered momentum with well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies rallying over N3bn in donations to the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF).
The donations were made both physically and online during the fundraising dinner organised by the Fund at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
More than N3 billion was realized from individuals and corporate bodies.
In his opening remarks, the Board of Trustees, BOT, Chairman of the Fund and Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Ltd., Dr. Ike Chioke, while commending the Dr. Peter Mbah administration for the huge impact and investments made in the area of security, including the constitution and inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund a year ago, stressed that security was everybody’s business.
He said the only way to achieve the $30 billion GDP mark set by the governor was by sustaining and consolidating the successes made in securing lives and property through contributions by citizens, corporate bodies and all levels of government.
“So, our target is N20 billion. Our population as a state is well over 5 million people. We think that 2 million working adults in the state, assuming each person contributing N1,000 every month, that is N2 billion a month already. If you get N2 billion naira a month for 12 months, it means that the citizens alone can raise N24 billion. That is for individuals alone before adding the government. That tells you our capacity,” he asserted.
Governor Mbah, on his path, recalled the grave security situation at the time his administration came on board, noting that there was no room for complacency despite the massive successes.
“Back then, criminals gleefully posted bodies of security personnel and the arms they had stolen through their brazenly regular attacks.
“But what difference 20 months make! Such wanton attacks have been pushed to the darkest recess of history. We have gained control of our streets. The outlaws who once held our people hostage have either been neutralized or fled.
“The pleasant experience arising from the vastly improved security is widespread: The businessman who could not open his shop and incurred losses as a result has found the confidence to do so; the child, who could not go to school every Monday in the past can now confidently do so without any fear; our security men and women can now carry on their law-enforcement duties without any brazen attack.
“But our job is not done yet; it needs to be sustained,” he said.
Highlighting the massive investments of his administration in security, Mbah said there was much more to be done through concerted effort.
“We have invested substantially in securing our state, and continue to do so, because there are no half measures in the fight against insecurity.
“The Enugu State Command and Control Centre is a logistical novelty built via cutting-edge innovation comparable to what exists in more advanced countries.
“It was a moment of pride for us when it was commissioned in January to national acclaim, by the President.
“Even when no security official is in sight, our round-the-clock surveillance system that covers our streets and neighbourhoods still ensures strict vigilance. The ultimate goal is to nip crime in the bud.
“This crime-fighting device is complemented by the Distress Response Squad, designed to react swiftly to any security breach or threat of it.
“It is also further boosted by a large fleet of 150 security vehicles embedded with AI-enhanced cameras deployed across the state.
“But enthroning a water-tight security, such as we are implementing in Enugu State, requires a humongous amount of funds to sustain,” Mbah explained.
Critical stakeholders at the event, including the business mogul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Ezeh, commended Mbah for his strides in security and infrastructural development.
“Enugu is the capital of Igboland. The governor has character like Mbakwe, like M.I Okpara, who I knew from childhood. This man – Governor Mbah – in less than one year transformed Enugu State. And because of what he has done in Enugu State, I became very happy as an Igboman and happy that we have people who are very intelligent,” Prince Ezeh said.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).
Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.
According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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