Adedeji Adeleke, billionaire businessman and father of Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has donated ₦500 million to support the newly launched Osun State Security Trust Fund. The announcement was made on Thursday in Osogbo during the official unveiling of the initiative by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who emphasized the importance of strengthening security infrastructure in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, disclosed the donation, noting that Mr. Adeleke had personally called earlier in the day to pledge the amount. The contribution, he said, reflects the philanthropist’s longstanding commitment to community development and his support for policies aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
Governor Adeleke, while unveiling the trust fund, criticized the previous administration for neglecting the initiative. He explained that his government had revived the project by updating the enabling law and organizing the launch to ensure sustainable financing for security operations. “A security trust fund is a matter of necessity, considering the security climate in Nigeria and Osun State,” the governor stated.
He stressed that the fund is not a political project but a people-oriented policy designed to protect residents. “Only an irresponsible government will abandon the public-private partnership arrangement that is working so well in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, and other states. Ours is a responsible leadership with innovations and programmes tailored to the needs of our people,” Adeleke said.
The governor further announced that refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and new patrol vehicles would soon be distributed across the state. He declared that his administration was determined to maintain Osun’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Highlighting the objectives of the trust fund, Adeleke explained that it would provide sustainable financing for modern security infrastructure. Plans include establishing a state-of-the-art Situation Room equipped with real-time CCTV surveillance, as well as continuous provision of operational tools required by security agencies.
Earlier, Igbalaye, who also serves as the secretary of the trust fund implementation committee, elaborated on the scope of the initiative. He said the fund is designed to deliver critical security infrastructure such as operational vehicles, modern communication gadgets, surveillance systems, and other logistics necessary for intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Despite Osun’s relative peace compared to other regions, Igbalaye emphasized the need for sustained support to security agencies. He pointed out that rising insecurity across Nigeria makes it imperative for states to strengthen their defenses proactively. “We must not take our peace for granted. This fund ensures that our security agencies are adequately equipped to respond to emerging threats,” he said.
The donation by Adedeji Adeleke has been widely praised as a demonstration of private sector support for public safety. Analysts note that such contributions are vital in bridging funding gaps, especially as government resources remain limited. Public-private partnerships, they argue, have proven effective in other states and can significantly enhance the capacity of security agencies in Osun.
Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the trust fund will improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and overall security operations. Community leaders say the combination of government commitment and private sector support offers a promising model for tackling insecurity.
Governor Adeleke reiterated that the trust fund would be managed transparently, with accountability mechanisms in place to ensure that resources are used effectively. He assured citizens that the administration’s priority is to protect lives and property, adding that the fund represents a long-term investment in peace and stability.
The launch of the Osun Security Trust Fund marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to strengthen its security architecture. With the ₦500 million donation from Adedeji Adeleke and the government’s pledge to provide modern equipment, the initiative is expected to bolster confidence among residents and reinforce Osun’s reputation as a safe and peaceful state.
