Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on wealthy Nigerians, businesses and other private-sector stakeholders to increase their contributions to security initiatives, insisting that protecting lives and property requires a collective effort beyond government funding.
The governor made the appeal during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), a facility financed by philanthropist Kessington Adebutu to strengthen the organisation’s capacity to coordinate support for security agencies.
Sanwo-Olu described the project as an example of how public-private partnerships could help address security challenges, particularly as Nigeria moves towards the proposed establishment of state police formations.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative, expressing optimism that Lagos could develop one of the country’s most effective state police systems through cooperation among relevant institutions and stakeholders.
The governor also assured serving police personnel that any transition towards state policing would be handled through consultation and collaboration, without unnecessary disruption or fears of job losses. He added that his administration would continue supporting existing security agencies while encouraging residents and businesses to play active roles in maintaining public safety.
Established in September 2007 under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the LSSTF was created to mobilise voluntary contributions from individuals and corporate organisations to provide operational support for security agencies across Lagos.
Its chairman, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, described the new headquarters as a major achievement for the fund, which had operated from rented premises for almost 19 years. He said the facility would provide a permanent base for coordinating donations, partnerships and security interventions.
Durosinmi-Etti attributed the organisation’s effectiveness partly to its independent structure, noting that approximately 80 per cent of its board members come from the private sector. Although the state government provides support in kind and remains the largest contributor to security funding in Lagos, he said the fund does not receive direct cash subventions from the government.
He explained that the arrangement helps assure donors that their contributions are managed within an established framework and channelled towards identified security requirements. The fund has supported security agencies with operational vehicles, protective equipment, communications systems, technology and training.
The fund’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, disclosed that securing a permanent headquarters was among his priorities after assuming office. He said Adebutu agreed to finance the project barely a week after being approached, following the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2025.
According to Ogunsan, the philanthropist had promised that the building would be ready before his next birthday, a commitment fulfilled with the commissioning ahead of his 91st birthday. He also praised Sanwo-Olu for helping mobilise financial support for the fund.
Adebutu described the building as a contribution towards safeguarding lives, preserving peace and creating conditions for economic development. He said his involvement was motivated by gratitude to God and a desire to serve humanity, rather than philanthropy alone.
The commissioning brought together government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, members of the LSSTF board, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders, highlighting the growing role of private contributions in Lagos State’s security strategy.
