By Ayomide Otitoju
Efforts to strengthen security in Lagos State received a major boost on Monday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the groundbreaking for the permanent headquarters of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) in Alausa.
The multi-storey building, sited along Assfibi Road, will serve as the operational hub of the State-owned agency, which was established in 2007 to support security operations across Lagos. The project is fully funded by philanthropist and businessman Sir Adebukunola Adebutu Kessington, and the new complex is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted that LSSTF had been operating from rented facilities for 17 years, underscoring the need for a permanent office to enhance the agency’s capacity and service delivery. “The completion of this project will enable LSSTF to discharge its statutory duties with utmost professionalism and integrity, boosting support for all security agencies,” he said.
The governor also lauded Sir Kessington’s philanthropic gesture, noting that it eliminated bureaucratic hurdles that could have delayed the project. “This project will outlive all of us. Sir Adebutu Kessington has taken on the burden of bureaucracy to ensure security operations in Lagos are not undermined,” Sanwo-Olu added.
LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, described the groundbreaking as a milestone in his vision to move the agency from rented offices to a permanent headquarters befitting its strategic mandate. He said the purpose-built facility would enhance LSSTF’s operational efficiency, institutional capacity, and coordination with security partners. The building will be named in honour of Sir Kessington in recognition of his contribution.
At the ceremony, Sir Kessington, a nonagenarian and Lotto mogul, described the project as “a call to duty,” emphasizing its role in supporting the government’s efforts to protect residents and property. He noted that the building would stand as a lasting symbol of Lagos residents’ collective responsibility for safety and peace, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub of commerce and opportunity.
The groundbreaking marks a significant step toward fortifying Lagos State’s security architecture while highlighting the impact of purposeful philanthropy in public service.
