Cross River To Launch Security Trust Fund

Source: thewillnigeria.com

SAN FRANCISCO, February 11, (THEWILL) - In keeping with its proactive approach to security issues, the Cross River State Government is set to launch a Security Trust Fund as part of strategies aimed at sustaining its status as the safest state in the country.

Part of the objective of the trust fund is to provide a platform to galvanize collective effort towards maintaining security.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to improve swift response to distress calls by providing the necessary infrastructure.

As a prelude to the official launch of the Trust Fund, a consultative meeting with critical stakeholders in the private sector was held yesterday in Calabar.

Speaking at the meeting, the Security Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke, Mr.

Rekpene Bassey disclosed that the decision was borne by the desire to have the private sector partner with government in securing lives and property in the state.

'Security is every body's responsibility, and government, in its wisdom has created a platform that will encourage public private partnership in pulling resources for effective and more efficient management of security,', he stated.

Continuing, he said: 'We are motivated by the need to encourage private involvement for effective security management because we believe that it should be private sector-driven, and it is hoped that members of the committee will support the workings in line with current realities.

' The meeting had in attendance top management staff of banks, the leadership of the Cross River State Chambers of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry, representatives of quarries as well as representatives of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the state.

The Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp and the Nigerian Police were also represented at the meeting.

Another meeting with stakeholders in the hospitality industry holds on Thursday.