Sanwo-Olu commissions Lagos Security Trust Fund operational headquarters

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday commissioned the multi-storey Lagos Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) operational headquarters in Alausa.  

The Governor inaugurated the Security Trust Fund Building, located on Assbifi Road in Ikeja Central Business District to enhance capacity and boost response time to meet the security needs of Lagosians.

The highly fortified multi-storey building was handed over to the Lagos State Government by a frontline businessman and philanthropist, Sir Adebukunola Adebutu Kessington, who also donated five operational vehicles for security patrol.

The edifice, which will serve as a one-stop shop for the funding of all security operations in Lagos, was completed 10 months after Sanwo-Olu turned the sod for the construction of the project.

The LSSTF office complex will serve as the new coordination centre for State-led security efforts, supporting operations across all security formations in Lagos. 

Moving to a permanent site would also enhance capacity and service delivery for the agency, which has functioned from a rented building since its launch in September 2007.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the building should allow the LSSTF to engage contributors more effectively, manage resources responsibly and coordinate operations, adding that the facility’s real worth would be judged by the quality of outcomes from the security services it supports.

The Governor said: “Security is essential to the progress of Lagos. Our residents must feel safe, businesses must operate with confidence, and investors must have assurance that their investments are protected.

‘’This is why the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, established in 2007, remains an important platform for mobilising support from government, the private sector and citizens to strengthen our security agencies.

“Today’s commissioning is an important milestone for the Fund. Ten months after we performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, we are pleased to see this project completed.

‘’But the value of this building must go beyond providing office space. It must enable the LSSTF to engage contributors more effectively, manage resources responsibly and coordinate its activities in support of our security agencies.”

Sanwo-Olu described the donation as “a remarkable gesture” by Sir Kessington, thanking the nonagenarian businessman for his “generous contribution” to support the State Government’s efforts in safeguarding lives and investments in Lagos.

The Governor said Sir Kessington’s philanthropic effort would inspire other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their quota to the safety and progress of the State.

Sanwo-Olu charged security agencies to continue to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of the people.

He urged them to leverage the intervention to enhance their intelligence-led operations, while strengthening community participation in keeping the State safe.

LSSTF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, said the intervention would drive renewed commitment to mobilise voluntary support from individuals and organisations to channel resources towards strengthening the capacity of security agencies to protect lives, property and livelihoods across Lagos.

He said: “The commissioning of the Sir Kessington Adebutu LSSTF Building will strengthen the institution that brings the contributions together and converts them into practical support for those entrusted with the task of securing the State.

“Every contribution, whether financial, material, technical or institutional, plays a role in strengthening the security environment of Lagos. We encourage more organisations and individuals to join this partnership and help build a safer, more prosperous state.”

Kessington, the donor, described a sense of fulfilment from the project’s completion, observing that the landmark effort carried meaning beyond brick and mortar.

He noted that the donation of the landmark building carried meaning far more than brick and mortar for him. He described the project as his “obligation of gratitude” to God.

“It stands as an enduring testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and property, preserving peace and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and sustainable development.

“It has always been my abiding conviction that God’s blessings are not meant for our exclusive enjoyment but should be deployed towards the service of humanity and leaving society better than we met it.

“I, therefore, regard my modest contribution to this project not merely as philanthropy but as a sacred obligation of gratitude to our Almighty Creator,” the nonagenarian businessman said.

He said the edifice would serve as an enduring monument to purposeful public-private partnership, selfless service and responsible citizenship.

LSSTF Board chairman, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the building would be a permanent institutional home for security coordination and response.