The protection of children and young people and the security of critical infrastructure must remain at the heart of Nigeria’s security architecture if the country is to secure its future, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has said.
Ogunsan made the submission during his first official visit to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) today Wednesday 2nd September 2026. As part of the visit, he also presented 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests and 100 raincoats to strengthen the operational capacity of the Corps.
The visit, marked by a guard parade of honor mounted by the officers and a formal reception, also provided an opportunity for the LSSTF CEO to acknowledge the NSCDC’s contributions to security in Lagos while urging the Corps to intensify protection of critical infrastructure and schools across the State.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan described the NSCDC as a strategic security partner whose mandate and operational responsibilities had earned his admiration over the years. “The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has won my heart as a person for many years. Look through your mandate, your activities and the services you render to this great country, especially to Lagos that I represent. Very outstanding performance you have given the State,” he said.
He stressed the importance of protecting children and young people, describing them as critical to the future of the nation. “I want to plead with you because of the exploits that you do in one area that no other agency can do better, that is school protection. Our children need to be safe. If we don’t do anything for the young ones, it’s like we are preparing for a very horrible future for ourselves.”
“It is high time that we begin to pay attention to our young ones. I want them to go to school and have peace of mind and come back to their parents after school. That’s when they feel the impact of security,” he said.
He added that today’s donation was both an appreciation of the Corps’ efforts and a call for greater commitment to its responsibilities. “Please, sir, continue to keep an eye on critical infrastructures in our State.”
Ogunsan further assured the Corps of sustained support from the LSSTF, declaring that more operational equipment would be provided as resources become available.
Receiving the items, the NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Sunday Keshinro expressed appreciation to Ogunsan and the LSSTF for their continued logistical intervention, describing the latest donation as “a very good gesture.” He said the equipment would further motivate personnel and enhance their effectiveness in protecting lives and property, as well as critical assets across Lagos.
The Commandant also used the occasion to highlight the infrastructural challenges facing the Command. He disclosed that the Lagos State Government had, on August 9, 2024, allocated 2,021 square metres of land for the construction of a new six-storey NSCDC headquarters in Alausa, but funding constraints had delayed commencement of the project.
Mr. Keshinro expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde for their roles in securing the land, while also acknowledging the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for providing another permanent facility at Iponri, which the Command has commenced refurbishing.
With 50 division offices and 10 area commands spread across Lagos, the Commandant said the Corps remained committed to maintaining a security presence across the State.
As Lagos confronts evolving threats to infrastructure, schools, communities and vulnerable populations, sustained collaboration, equipment support and inter-agency commitment remain essential. For the LSSTF led by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, investing in the agencies that are protecting Lagos today is, fundamentally, an investment in the safety and future of the next generation.