For an institution dedicated to protecting lives and supporting the people who keep Lagos safe, having a permanent home is more than an administrative achievement; it is a statement of purpose, continuity and enduring commitment to public service. For the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), that long-awaited milestone has become reality through the generosity of Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, GCON, whose investment in security infrastructure has given the Fund a lasting institutional home.
For nearly 20 years, the Fund operated from rented accommodation while mobilising private-sector contributions to support security agencies across Lagos State. That chapter has now ended with the commissioning of the Sir Kessington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building, singlehandedly funded by the philanthropist. The nonagenarian, Adebutu also donated five pickup vehicles to the Fund in celebration of his 91st birthday.
Speaking at the commissioning, LSSTF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, described the new headquarters as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration and a defining milestone in his tenure. Ogunsan disclosed that shortly after his appointment, he approached Adebutu, whom he regards as a mentor and father figure, to support his vision of providing the Fund with a befitting headquarters on land allocated by the Lagos State Government. “For 19 years, the Fund worked from a rented apartment. When I set out with this vision, I reached out to my father, who has been a benefactor to me, Baba Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, GCON,” he said. He explained that their conversation centred on transforming the vision into reality, adding that “the aspiration for a befitting headquarters has been realised today.”
Ogunsan praised Adebutu for his commitment to completing the project within the promised timeframe, describing the achievement as a demonstration of generosity translated into tangible public value. “This will remain a significant milestone in my record of service as LSSTF CEO. This will also become a legacy in your life for your commitment to security in Lagos State,” he said.
Addressing the philanthropist, the LSSTF chief executive added: “Your name will remain associated with this building, but your legacy will extend far beyond its walls, through the lives protected and the communities made safer by the work of the institution you have helped strengthen.”
He further disclosed that the five pickup vehicles donated by Adebutu had been delivered, providing additional logistical support for the Fund’s operations.Ogunsan also acknowledged the importance of sustaining the partnerships that make the Fund’s work possible. He reaffirmed management’s commitment to prudent spending, with a target of directing at least 90 per cent of donations towards supporting security agencies, while exploring appropriate income-generating opportunities to cover operational costs.
Thereafter, the wife of the CEO and globally acclaimed Gospel singer, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan (also known as Dr. Ajokesings) presented the birthday songs in celebration of Sir Kesington Adebutu for his 91st birthday. Her masterful delivery led to a rapturous commendation from everyone gathered at the event.
Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu added that: “Today is significant because Baba Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu GCON is always on the lookout for something new which is the beauty of life. This is why we know that God will keep preserving his life because he has shown that philanthropy is not by word of mouth. We want to thank God that He has used each and every one of us to be part of this journey.”
Dignitaries present at the event include the Secretary to the Lagos State Government; Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Lagos Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; Lagos Head of Service, Bode Agoro; Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, and pioneer Chairman of LSSTF Board, Chief Remi Makanjuola. The royal fathers include Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu represented by the white cap chiefs of Lagos led by High Chief Lateef Ajose, and Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo.
Others are the Chairman of the LSSTF Board, Kehinde Durosinmi Etti; members of the board including DIG Agboola Oshodi Glover (retd); Hon. Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Conference 57; Ayo Otuyalo; Ubon Udoh, CEO of ASR Initiative; and the CEO of First Bank, Olusegun Alebiosu. Other special guests are the sole donor of the building, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu GCON and his wife, Mrs. Kofoworola Adebutu, the wife of the LSSTF CEO, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan; PCRC Lagos Chairman, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo, among others.
The security agencies present include the IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu represented by AIG Simeon Akpanudom; the three service chiefs in Lagos, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani; the CEO of Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Dr. Ifalade Oyekan; among others.
For Ogunsan, the new headquarters is more than a building. It is a permanent reminder of what purposeful leadership, enduring generosity and partnerships can achieve in strengthening the institutions that help keep Lagos safe.