Okun Development Association Launches Security Trust Fund, Inaugurates Key Committees To Tackle Insecurity

In a bold and strategic move to address the worsening security crisis threatening lives and livelihoods across Okunland, the Okun Development Association (ODA)—the apex socio-cultural body representing Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi State—has officially launched the Okun Security Trust Fund (OSTF) and inaugurated three major implementation committees.

The event, held at Haris Hotel in Wuye, Abuja, brought together prominent sons and daughters of Okunland, retired military and security professionals, political representatives, technocrats, and other stakeholders determined to stem the tide of banditry, kidnappings, and rural displacement plaguing their homeland.

The OSTF is conceived as a special-purpose vehicle by the ODA to mobilize resources, formulate actionable security strategies, and implement community-driven security interventions across the Okun-speaking axis of Kogi State. The overarching goal is to create a coordinated, locally led effort to protect lives, property, and farmlands from the increasingly emboldened threats posed by violent criminal elements.

To ensure effective delivery and accountability, the existing Okun Security Implementation Committee has been restructured into three dedicated arms: the Board of Trustees to provide oversight, vision, and accountability; the Technical and Strategy Committee responsible for designing and implementing security frameworks; and the Fundraising and Mobilization Committee tasked with generating resources from within Nigeria and the diaspora.

Chairman of the Implementation Committee and former National Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Dr. Williams Toyin Akanle, in his keynote address, emphasized the critical need for coordinated action and inclusive partnerships.

“By working together, these committees will operationalize a strategic and sustainable approach to security in our region,” he said. “Community involvement and synergy with formal security agencies and the state government will be pivotal to success.”

Akanle reassured donors and stakeholders that the funds raised would be managed with integrity, accountability, and transparency, pledging regular reports and measurable outcomes. He urged every Okun indigene, both at home and abroad, to support the Trust Fund: “Your contributions will empower us to acquire the tools, build the capacity, and establish the vigilance structures needed to secure our homeland.”

In a passionate appeal, businessman and former governorship candidate, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, a member of the Technical and Strategy Committee, lamented the creeping depopulation of rural communities due to the fear of violent attacks. Braimoh called on Okun political officeholders, especially those in the National Assembly, to be more involved in ODA initiatives and to push for legal frameworks that will empower communities to protect themselves legally and effectively.

“We need legislation that enables lawful community defense. Without this, even well-meaning individuals are restricted in offering help. Security should not be partisan—it is existential,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, President General of the ODA, said the establishment of OSTF marks a historic moment in the collective self-preservation of the Okun people. “We are not just responding to insecurity—we are reclaiming our right to live in peace. The OSTF is a strategic vehicle to navigate this crisis and restore dignity and safety to our communities,” he declared.

Amb. Rotimi condemned the wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and violent herder-farmer clashes, which he said have crippled the agricultural economy, displaced countless families, and sown fear and despair. “Our fields are abandoned, our roads unsafe, and our people scattered. This cannot continue. We must rise—united and committed—to defeat the agents of darkness who seek to desecrate our land.”

He thanked all committee members for accepting to serve and paid special tribute to Engineer Isiaka Haruna for his invaluable support in advancing the vision of the Trust Fund. He also extended gratitude to all stakeholders, urging them to “mobilize, strategize, and syndicate their efforts against the forces of evil.”

The inauguration was also marked by the public unveiling of a formidable lineup of professionals and community leaders across the three committees.

Board of Trustees: Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, CON (Chairman); Dr. David Atte (Vice Chairman); Amb. Akenson Rotimi; Chief Funmi Bodunde; Prof. Olu Obafemi; Dr. Obamero Mike; and a representative of Oworoland.

Technical and Strategy Committee: Dr. Toyin Akanle, mni (Chairman); Col. Kingsley Bolorunduro (Rtd), AVM Awarun (Rtd), Gen. David Atte (Rtd), Gen. M.T. Durowaiye (Rtd), Gen. Bode Ayeni (Rtd), Commodore Folusho Daniel (Rtd), Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, Hon. Tunde Ibrahim, Cmdr. Adekunle Obayemi (Rtd), Barr. Femi Oloruntoba, CP Wilfred Afolabi, Col. Olukomogbon, Major Owa, CSP Sunday Ajibade, ACP Bamidele Awoniyi.

Fundraising and Mobilization Committee: Mr. Dan D. Kunle (Chairman), Amb. Shola Enikanolaye (Vice Chairman), Chief Sam Aro, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, Sen. Sunday Karimi, Sen. Smart Adeyemi, Sen. Dino Melaye, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Hon. Leke Abejide, Hon. Salman Idris, Hon. T.J. Yusuf, Alh. Adebola Sheidu, OON, Mrs. Bola Sanni, Engr. Francis Osasona, Mukadam Ashiru Idris, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, Chief Femi Ajisafe, PhD, Prince Philip Orebiyi, Engr. Tayo Akanbi, Chief Femi Olubiyo, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Erelu Prof. Ronke Bello, Hon. Danladi Aguye, Omoba Tunde Ajibulu, Chief Dele Obiniyi, Mrs. Bola Ampitan, Dr. Muyi Aina, Dr. Korede Adedayo, Aremo Jide Omokore, Chief Funsho Owoyemi, Mr. Funsho Isiaka Haruna, Barr. John Fabola, Barr. Morito, Barr. Babatunde Irukera, Otunba Olu Owa, Chief Oladokun H. Jeremiah, Engr. Emmanuel Kayode, Pastor Kayode Adedayo, Prof. Nasir A. Naeem, Omoluwabi Folami Onirinwa, Mr. Stanley Jegede, Ms. Tayo Leslie, Mr. Ola Oyelola, Engr. Olusola George Olumoroti.

The event ended with a collective pledge by attendees to uphold the vision of the OSTF and defend the peace, dignity, and future of Okunland.July 13, 2025