Monday, October 5, 2026

Expert says security required to achieve $30 billion GDP mark in Enugu

Ike Chioke, ESSTF’s board of trustees chairman, said this during the fundraising dinner for the fund in Enugu on Sunday.

• February 17, 2025
Unknown gunmen
A photo of unknown gunmen used to illustrate the story

The Enugu State Security Trust Fund says the only way to achieve the $30 billion gross domestic product mark is by sustaining and consolidating success achieved in security.

Ike Chioke, ESSTF’s board of trustees chairman, said this during the fundraising dinner for the fund in Enugu on Sunday.

On February 13, 2024, Governor Peter Mbah inaugurated ESSTF, and its board members comprised individuals from private and public sectors, civil society organisations and security agencies.

Mr Chioke commended Mr Mbah’s administration for the huge impact and investments made in security, including the constitution and inauguration of the trustees in 2024.

Mr Mbah said when no security official was in sight, the round-the-clock surveillance system that covered the streets and neighbourhoods still ensured 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.

“It is also further boosted by a large fleet of 150 security vehicles embedded with AI-enhanced cameras deployed across the state.

“But enthroning water-tight security, such as we are implementing in Enugu state, requires a humongous amount of funds to sustain,” Mr Mbah explained.

(NAN)

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