WE WILL SEE NEW THINGS AT LSSTF BUT THE REAL NUCLEUS WILL REMAIN INTACT – DR. AYO OGUNSAN

Being speech at the Sendforth in honour of the Outgoing Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun 

Saturday 1st November 2025 

It’s a bittersweet flavor on my part. I can’t help it but I just have to chew it. It’s the reality that you’re going. It’s very hard for me to let you go, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun. You’ve been an integral part of the security apparatus in Lagos for ten incredible years and prior to that, I know where your signature has been, your footprint, and the great work you’ve done to take the state to the next level. LSSTF is not going to be your last destination, I see greater things coming in after this.

You are an esteemed colleague. You are a friend. But to me, you are an Egbon and I remember those beautiful memories. Sometimes I will get a call from Dr. Abdurrazaq, he will say, April 3rd was the last time we saw. Is that nice? Is that fine? I mean, my wife should be the one messaging me, but I am going somewhere that it’s been wonderful all the way between me and Dr. Abdurrazaq as we share very deep things together.

He’s a very blunt, brave, and courageous leader who doesn’t care whose ox is gored. He will tell you the way it is. Sometimes we fight, but I will not be confrontational, I will pretend as if I’m not offended and I will go and stand there for like 1-2 days, he will know and say okay, don’t be angry. Excellent man. Gracious man. We will miss you at the Fund. You’ve been able to demonstrate to us what dedication and hard work looks like. Just looking at how professional you are and how dedicated you are to your job, that alone is enough for anyone who wants to do any research on hard work or dedication.

We’re going to see new things quite a lot at the Fund but the real nucleus, the heart of LSSTF will remain intact, we’ll continue the template. Fortunately, we are under a government that believes in continuity, there has not been any change since 1999 so don’t expect any radical change in LSSTF. But yes, you will see new ideas and innovations. We might do it a bit better because that should be your prayers that whoever you’re handing over to will be better than you.

You’re going to see it done in a better way but you’ve set a legacy, laid down a standard, and raised the bar. I’m going to stick to you closely and if I’m a bit confused, I will catch you here or abroad. And I’m going to get close to your wife,I will tell my wife to know Madam well so that if I’m stranded, I’ll contact you to get him.

My note of thanks to the very distinguished guests who are here.

I will start with the man who found me worthy to step into your shoes. He’s not here, but I think I need to recognize and appreciate him in absentia, the Executive Governor of Lagos state, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, a great leader, a great man. It’s a rare privilege and honour and is still something I cannot fathom. But I trust God and I told Mr. Governor, I’ll make you proud, we’ll make LSSTF proud.

To our amiable leader, because if you are on an assignment, and you have the Board over you, and the Chairman of the Board is not someone who believes in your dream, or is not in agreement with what you’re doing, then it’s going to slow down the entire process. Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun has been very fortunate to work with very great Board Chairmen but this is the best among them, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi Etti. Thank you very much for all you do. He is just very quiet and unassuming but he is always on top of the game. He allows us to do our thing. Like you said, this is the best agency in the world anyone can work with, you just have to perform.

I am very fortunate to work with an exceptional amiable Chairman, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi Etti. The DIG is also there, DIG Oshodi Glover, the father figure and you’ve been a source of strength to the board. I’m sure you’ll extend the same amount of fellowship to me.

I also appreciate my wife. I told my wife that I will try to be soft so she can pilot me well. Thank you, my dear wife, for honoring this invitation.

To the family members of my beloved Egbon. This is my second time meeting you, I was very overwhelmed at the birthday he celebrated. You’re a complete family man. He’s a family man to the core.I love men who love and believe in their family. I doff my cap for you, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun. You’re a complete family man. Thank you for supporting me. Something great is coming your way and this is not going to be the last.

To the service chiefs and CP, I surrender.

Whatever you want me to do, wherever you want me to go, I will go because in your constituency, we don’t argue with you, we obey. We work closely with the Police, DSS, Army, Navy, Air force and all security agencies. The Police is in charge of internal security. So whatever you throw at me, I will obey. Thank you very much, service chiefs.

To our stakeholders, partners, and all the other companies, we are going to have a great time together.

To the very wonderful staff of LSSTF, thank you very much for supporting Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun and I hope you extend the same amount of fellowship to me.

Sincerely speaking, you are the best. I love you so sincerely. I won’t stop loving you Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun.

Thank you very much.