By Oki O. Samson
It was an evening wrapped in emotion, laughter, and deep appreciation as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) bid farewell to its outgoing Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun.
For ten remarkable years, Dr. Balogun stood at the helm of the Fund — a bridge between government, private sector partners, and security agencies — ensuring that Lagos remained a beacon of safety and coordination in Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
The send-forth ceremony, held in Lagos over the weekend, was not merely a formal event.
It was a festival of gratitude — a celebration of integrity, service, and leadership that left indelible marks across the state’s security ecosystem.
In attendance were towering figures from government, the armed forces, and the private sector.
The new Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, led the tributes alongside his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoke Ogunsan.
Also present were the Chairman of the LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi Etti; Board Member, DIG Oshodi Glover (retd); and top security chiefs, including the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.
Commanders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force were there too — a testimony to the depth of collaboration Dr. Balogun had nurtured over the years.
The hall was electric with warmth and nostalgia as colleagues and friends took turns to celebrate a man many described as “firm, fearless, and fair.”
In his tribute, the new Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, described the day as “bittersweet.” For him, it was hard to imagine the Fund without Dr. Balogun’s bold presence and sharp intellect.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for me,” Ogunsan said.
“You’ve been an integral part of the Lagos security system for ten solid years. I know your footprints across this state — your ideas, your courage, and your dedication.
You’ve made LSSTF a reference point.”
Calling him an “Egbon,” Ogunsan added that Dr. Balogun’s departure was not the end but a transition into greater assignments.
“You’ve done your part here, but I see higher responsibilities ahead of you,” he said.
Chairman of the LSSTF Board, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi Etti, spoke with deep admiration as he recalled their years of collaboration.
“When he came on board, many wondered if anyone could fill the big shoes left behind. But he didn’t just fill them — he expanded them,” Etti said.
He described Dr. Balogun as “a simple, straightforward man who doesn’t waste words” and credited him with maintaining impeccable corporate governance standards at the Fund. “Our funds are audited every year, and we’ve never had a scandal. That’s reputation, that’s character,” he emphasized.
Retired DIG Oshodi Glover, another member of the LSSTF Board, described the outgoing Executive Secretary as “a team player, hardworking, and deeply focused.” He praised Balogun’s ability to stay calm under pressure and his knack for setting clear priorities.
Hon. Moshood Oshun of the Federal House of Representatives added a personal touch to the evening.
He described Dr. Balogun as a man of uncommon honesty, recalling an encounter where Balogun refused financial inducement and insisted on doing the right thing.
“He is an asset — not just to Lagos, but to Nigeria,” Oshun said. “Serving for ten years without blemish is no small feat. That’s rare. He’s a model for integrity in public service.”
Representing all the security chiefs in Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, offered words of deep appreciation.
“The security structure we have in Lagos is unmatched across the country,” he declared. “And that is largely due to Dr. Balogun’s leadership and collaboration.”
Jimoh described him as “a deeply professional man — one who values honesty and demands clarity.” He assured that the incoming Executive Secretary, Dr. Ogunsan, would continue from where Balogun stopped, keeping the LSSTF legacy alive.
For Mr. Wale Olaoye, CEO of Halogen Group, Dr. Balogun’s decade of service was a masterclass in leadership.
“He has served with distinction, without blemish, and with a clear conscience.
His legacy is not just in what he built but in the values he upheld,” Olaoye said.
When it was finally his turn to speak, Dr. Balogun’s words carried the quiet authority of a fulfilled man. He described his journey at LSSTF as “an extraordinary honour and a defining chapter” of his public service life.
He began by thanking the LSSTF staff — the unsung heroes, he called them — who, in his words, “kept the engine running with loyalty, professionalism, and grace.”
He paid glowing tribute to the Board of Trustees under the leadership of Mr. Durosinmi Etti, whose guidance and integrity, he said, had anchored the Fund’s success through challenging times.
Dr. Balogun also extended gratitude to donors and partners whose trust and consistent contributions ensured that the LSSTF mandate stayed alive and impactful. “You kept faith with us, and because of that, Lagos remains a model for effective security cooperation in Nigeria,” he said.
He spoke warmly of the synergy between LSSTF and the state’s security agencies, calling it “the heartbeat of Lagos’ safety.”
He revealed that during his tenure, he worked closely with nine Commissioners of Police — each one adding a layer to the success story.
Turning personal, he thanked his wife, Kudirat, and their children for their love and patience through years of demanding public service.
“You have been my strength when the weight was heavy. This moment belongs to you as much as it does to me,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to his extended family, friends, and colleagues who stood by him through every phase of the journey.
Dr. Balogun reserved special acknowledgment for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose trust and leadership, he said, gave him the freedom to innovate and deliver.
“The Governor’s vision for a safe Lagos was our compass, and his support was our backbone,” he said.
As he drew his speech to a close, Dr. Balogun looked toward the future with optimism.
“The LSSTF will continue to grow, evolve, and expand its impact. The future is bright, and I am confident that Lagos will keep setting the standard for security innovation,” he said.
Applause thundered through the hall as colleagues rose to their feet, applauding not just a man, but an era — a decade of discipline, innovation, and service.
And as the evening light faded into laughter, photographs, and music, it was clear that Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun’s name would remain etched in Lagos’ story — as the man who led the LSSTF with courage, conviction, and class.
