In a major development that has drawn widespread attention across Nigeria’s security and political circles, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has donated ₦10 billion to the Delta State Security Trust Fund.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the Trust Fund held at the Government House, Asaba, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presiding over the ceremony.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the event was attended by top government officials, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders from across Delta State.
Tompolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), described the donation as part of his ongoing commitment to support peace, development, and the protection of vital oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
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Largest Private Security Donation in Nigeria’s History
The ₦10 billion contribution is regarded as one of the largest private sector donations ever made to a state security initiative in Nigeria.
Observers say the move underscores Tompolo’s growing role as a strategic player in regional peacebuilding and as an ally of state and federal security frameworks.
Delta State officials confirmed that the funds will be channeled into security logistics, intelligence gathering, community engagement, and the procurement of modern surveillance equipment to combat crime and pipeline vandalism across the state’s oil-producing areas.
According to officials, the Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF) was established as a public-private partnership to strengthen the capacity of security agencies in safeguarding lives, property, and investments across the state.
Governor Oborevwori Commends Tompolo’s Contribution
In his address, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended Tompolo’s gesture, describing it as “a patriotic and exemplary act” that demonstrates the importance of community participation in security governance.
“What Tompolo has done today is a bold statement of commitment to peace and stability. Security is everyone’s business, and we are proud to have stakeholders like him leading by example,” the Governor said.
Oborevwori assured that the funds contributed to the Trust Fund would be judiciously managed and directed toward improving the operational effectiveness of the police, military, and civil defense units working within Delta State.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sustaining peace and fostering investor confidence through transparent security partnerships.
Tompolo’s Statement: Commitment to Peace and Prosperity
Tompolo, speaking during the launch, said his decision to contribute ₦10 billion was driven by his belief in a secure and prosperous Niger Delta.
He reiterated that peace remains a prerequisite for development and called on other influential individuals and organizations to support the Delta State Security Trust Fund.
“Our region has gone through difficult times. We must now take collective responsibility to secure it. This contribution is not just about money; it’s about partnership and purpose,” Tompolo said.
He noted that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which has been at the forefront of combating oil theft and illegal bunkering, would continue to collaborate with the government and security agencies to safeguard the nation’s economic assets.
About the Delta State Security Trust Fund
The Delta State Security Trust Fund was conceived as a multi-sector collaboration to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
It is designed to pool resources from the government, oil companies, and private sector players to support logistics, training, intelligence, and emergency response operations.
The Fund aims to:
- Provide sustainable financing for security operations.
- Enhance community policing and intelligence gathering.
- Support the modernization of security equipment and technology.
- Facilitate training and welfare for security personnel.
Officials said the Fund will be managed by an independent board comprising government representatives, private sector leaders, and security experts to ensure transparency and accountability.
National and Regional Reactions
The donation has sparked reactions across the Niger Delta and beyond.
Community leaders, business executives, and civil society groups have hailed Tompolo’s gesture as a turning point in public-private cooperation for peacebuilding.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, described the move as “a demonstration of corporate citizenship,” noting that security challenges in the Niger Delta cannot be resolved by government efforts alone.
A representative of the Niger Delta Elders’ Forum, Chief Dennis Otuaro, said Tompolo’s donation reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the stability of the region.
“Tompolo has once again proven that he is a partner in progress. His support for the security fund will go a long way in preventing crime and restoring investor confidence,” Otuaro said.
Tantita Security Services and the Fight Against Oil Theft
Since 2022, Tompolo’s firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has played a crucial role in supporting the federal government’s fight against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
Operating under a contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Tantita has helped uncover major crude oil theft networks and illegal pipelines siphoning billions of naira worth of crude oil monthly.
The company’s operations have led to multiple arrests, seizures, and the dismantling of illegal refining sites, earning national commendation from the Chief of Naval Staff and other security stakeholders.
Analysts say the ₦10 billion donation will further strengthen collaboration between state and non-state actors in addressing insecurity across the oil-producing belts of Delta State.
Security Experts React
Security analysts have praised the initiative, noting that such donations can help bridge the funding gaps that often weaken local policing and response systems.
Dr. Kingsley Uwakwe, a security governance expert, told TJ News Nigeria that the development is an example of how community leaders can complement government security strategies.
“This is not just a financial donation; it’s a symbol of partnership. When respected figures like Tompolo invest in peace, it builds trust between citizens and the state,” Uwakwe said.
He advised other oil-producing states to replicate the model, integrating corporate contributions into their local security frameworks.
Symbol of Niger Delta Unity
Beyond the economic significance, Tompolo’s gesture has also been viewed as a symbol of reconciliation and unity in the Niger Delta, a region long affected by militancy and underdevelopment.
Traditional rulers and youth leaders who attended the launch described the donation as a call for collective responsibility.
“Tompolo’s name has become synonymous with peace in recent years,” said one community leader from Gbaramatu Kingdom. “This is the kind of leadership our youths should emulate — using influence to build, not destroy.”
