In a renewed effort to address security challenges across Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially launched the Osun Security Trust Fund, calling on corporate organizations and other key stakeholders to support the initiative. The governor made the announcement during the fund's launch in Osogbo on Thursday.
Revival of Security Trust Fund
Adeleke stated that the initiative was originally started in Osun State but was abandoned under the previous administration of Gboyega Oyetola. He emphasized that his government decided to revive the program by updating the legal framework and organizing the official launch. The governor described the fund as a necessity given the current security climate in Nigeria and Osun State, clarifying that it is neither a political project nor a self-serving policy.
Donations and Contributions
During the event, billionaire philanthropist Dr. Deji Adeleke, the governor's brother, donated N500 million to the fund. Additionally, several businesses contributed various amounts. Governor Adeleke also donated N300 million on behalf of the state government and assured private partners and the public of transparency in fund management.
"This is a necessary policy to secure our people. Only an irresponsible government will abandon the PPP arrangement that is working so well in Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers states, among others. Ours is a responsible leadership with people-oriented innovations, policies and programmes," Adeleke said.
Planned Security Upgrades
The governor explained that the fund is designed to provide sustainable financing for modern security infrastructure. Plans include establishing a modern Situation Room with real-time CCTV surveillance and continuing the provision of operational tools for security agencies. He noted that his administration has refurbished several Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and purchased vehicles, which will soon be distributed to relevant security services.
Commitment to Transparency
Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Vice Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Teslim Igbalaye, stressed that security cannot be left solely to the government. He described it as a collective responsibility and urged all partners—including commercial ventures, banks, insurance companies, miners, market associations, labour unions, private individuals, hotels, and schools—to support the cause. Igbalaye assured that all contributions would be transparently managed, properly accounted for, and utilized in line with global best practices.
Accord Party Clarifies Position
Meanwhile, the Accord Party (AP) has denied claims that it endorsed President Bola Tinubu. The party's National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, stated during a media briefing in Abuja that the party remains focused on supporting Governor Adeleke ahead of the 2026 governorship election. "There is nothing like that. This is a political party and Governor Adeleke is our candidate. If there is any such endorsement, I assure you that the media will be the first to know. It will come from here," Mgbudem said.
He added that every candidate will emerge after the primaries and that many aspirants are currently purchasing forms for various positions following the announcement of nomination fees and timetable. The clarification followed controversy over a billboard in Iwo, Osun State, which featured images of Tinubu and Adeleke. Mgbudem expressed confidence in Adeleke's chances in the 2026 polls.
