Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has defended the activation of the Osun State Security Trust Fund, citing rising insecurity and dwindling public sector funding across all levels of government.

To demonstrate his commitment, the governor announced a donation of N300 million to the fund. A philanthropist and his brother, Deji Adeleke, also contributed N500 million, while several corporate organisations made additional pledges to support the initiative.

This was disclosed by the governor’s spokesperson, Rasheed Olawale, in a statement shared on the state government’s official X handle on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Speaking at the official launch in Osogbo, Adeleke unveiled plans for the imminent distribution of refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers and new patrol vehicles to security agencies. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain Osun’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

The governor noted that the framework for the trust fund had been established years ago but criticised the previous administration under Gboyega Oyetola for failing to implement it, describing the move as long overdue.

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According to Adeleke, the establishment of security trust funds has become a common approach among states seeking to bridge funding gaps in security operations through public-private partnerships. He stressed that the initiative is neither political nor self-serving, but a practical response to prevailing security challenges.

“A security trust fund is essential given the current realities. With limited government resources, collaboration with the private sector is critical to ensuring the safety of lives and property,” he said.

He explained that the fund would provide sustainable financing for modern security infrastructure, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art situation room with real-time CCTV surveillance, as well as the procurement of operational tools for security agencies.

Adeleke called on private sector players, financial institutions, development partners, professional bodies, and Osun indigenes to support the initiative, assuring that the fund would be managed with transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to due process.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government and Deputy Chairman of the Trust Fund, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, commended the governor for activating the fund, noting that its enabling law had been in place since 2012. He urged stakeholders to lend their full support to ensure the success of the initiative.