The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has moved into a permanent institutional building after nearly 19 years of operating from a rented office, following the inauguration of its new headquarters donated by philanthropist and businessman Sir Kessington Adebutu.
The building was inaugurated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who called for increased private-sector participation in security funding, stressing that government could not tackle the state’s security challenges alone.
Sanwo-Olu said sustained collaboration between government, businesses, individuals and security agencies was essential to protecting lives, property and livelihoods across Lagos.
He recalled that the LSSTF was established in September 2007 under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, noting that more than 300 vehicles were raised within its first four months to support security agencies.
The governor described the new building as a lasting legacy of public-private partnership and commended Adebutu for his contribution to security and development in the state.
He also highlighted the anticipated introduction of state police, saying it could expand the Fund’s responsibilities in providing operational equipment, logistics and other support for security personnel.
The governor urged more businesses and individuals to contribute to the Fund, arguing that improved security would benefit residents, investors and the wider economy.
In his remarks, LSSTF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, thanked Adebutu for donating the building and acknowledged the contributions of the state government, private-sector partners and other stakeholders to the Fund’s work.
Ogunsan also disclosed that Adebutu had donated five brand-new pickup trucks to support security operations in Lagos.
He described the philanthropist, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, as a father figure whose generosity and counsel had contributed to the Fund’s development.
Earlier, the LSSTF Chairman, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the new headquarters fulfilled a longstanding institutional aspiration and provided a permanent base for coordinating support for security agencies.
He said the Fund mobilises voluntary contributions from individuals and organisations to provide operational vehicles, protective equipment, communication systems, technology and training for security agencies.
Durosinmi-Etti urged the board to maintain the Fund’s autonomy and accountability, strengthen donor confidence and embrace innovation in intelligence gathering, technology and collaboration among security agencies.
Earlier, Adebutu, who recalled arriving in Lagos in 1948 at the age of 13, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state and reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to society.