The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan, has pledged to champion advocacy for improved welfare of security operatives, including salaries and pensions, as part of a broader effort to strengthen Lagos’ security architecture.
Ogunsan made the commitment at the close of the second batch of the LSSTF’s statewide multi-agency training programme, where participants and facilitators commended the initiative for enhancing professionalism, collaboration, and operational efficiency among security agencies.
He said the Fund would expand its mandate beyond the provision of equipment and training to include policy advocacy on behalf of security personnel, particularly on issues they may be unable to raise within structured command systems.
“I feel that LSSTF should not just give equipment and organise training, but going forward, advocacy on behalf of security agencies should be part of what we do,” Ogunsan said, adding that plans were underway to engage policymakers at federal, state, and local levels on welfare concerns affecting operatives.
The training programme, which brought together personnel from the police, military, paramilitary, and other state security outfits, focused on enhancing professional capacity, ethical standards, and inter-agency collaboration.
One of the lead facilitators, Wale Adeagbo, said the initiative was designed to address real operational gaps identified by the agencies themselves, rather than relying on theoretical assumptions.
According to him, the programme adopts a bottom-up approach to ensure that training directly improves field performance and strengthens the overall security framework in Lagos.
Another facilitator, Sola Akinrinade, emphasised the importance of applying lessons learned, urging participants to translate knowledge into practical outcomes within their respective organisations.
Participants drawn from various agencies described the training as impactful, citing improvements in areas such as inter-agency cooperation, emotional intelligence, financial awareness, and personal well-being.
A naval officer, SLT Oshiro, said the training was both educative and transformative, while a police officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving effective service delivery.
Officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and other agencies also shared similar feedback, noting that the programme had enhanced their professional outlook and operational mindset.
The LSSTF also recognised outstanding participants during the training, rewarding punctuality and active engagement with cash prizes.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the initiative reflects a shift toward a more integrated and people-centred security model, where capacity building is complemented by institutional support and policy engagement.
With the new advocacy direction, analysts say the LSSTF is positioning itself not only as a provider of logistics and training but also as a voice for security operatives, aimed at fostering a more motivated and resilient workforce across Lagos State.
