David Oladimeji
The newly appointed Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has pledged a renewed and people-driven approach to strengthening security in Lagos State through wider partnerships, innovation, and accountability.
Ogunsan made the pledge while formally addressing journalists for the first time since assuming office, expressing gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the trust reposed in him and vowing to build on the achievements of previous leadership at the Fund.
Describing his appointment as a call to service, the LSSTF boss said he carries the responsibility with humility, stressing that the safety of over 20 million Lagos residents must remain a top priority.
He noted that as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, Lagos faces evolving security threats driven by population pressure, urban expansion, and rising digital crime.
According to him, traditional policing methods alone are no longer sufficient to address today’s complex security challenges, hence the urgent need for innovation, intelligence-driven systems, and stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and citizens.
Ogunsan reiterated that the LSSTF was founded on the principle that the government cannot secure the state alone, adding that the Fund’s success over the years has been powered by strong partnerships with corporate organisations, institutions, and concerned individuals.
He revealed that donations through the Fund have helped provide patrol vehicles, communication equipment, bulletproof vests, marine assets, and training support for security personnel across the state.
As part of his leadership agenda, Ogunsan announced plans to strengthen transparency, expand the network of donors, and ensure that every contribution delivers measurable impact on the streets and in local communities.
He also disclosed that the LSSTF would soon commence a renewed retail donation drive, supported by public awareness campaigns, digital donation platforms, youth-focused volunteer programmes, and stronger engagement across social and community channels.
Emphasising that security funding is not limited to cash alone, the LSSTF boss said the Fund is open to technical tools for surveillance and emergency response, logistical support, expert guidance in cybersecurity and criminology, as well as capacity-building programmes for personnel.
He added that professionals in technology, data science, psychology, communications, and behavioural studies are especially needed to help Lagos build a smarter and more proactive security ecosystem.
Ogunsan assured stakeholders that transparency would define his administration, pledging strict oversight of contractors, close monitoring of projects, regular publication of donation usage, and improved governance and reporting systems.
He said residents must not only contribute but must also see tangible results in safer neighbourhoods, faster emergency response, and stronger law enforcement capacity.
As part of stakeholder engagement efforts, he announced that the 19th Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor will hold on December 11, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.
According to him, the meeting will feature presentations on the Fund’s stewardship, briefings on emerging crime trends by the Commissioner of Police, policy direction from the governor, and interactive sessions with stakeholders.
Ogunsan called for collective responsibility, urging businesses, professionals, communities, and citizens to take ownership of security, stressing that when safety grows, prosperity follows and when Lagos works together, the State rises.
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