Susan Abayomi
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has celebrated its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, on his 50th birthday, describing the milestone as an opportunity to honour not only his achievements in public service but also the values, vision and commitment that have shaped his leadership.
For the Fund, Ogunsan’s Golden Jubilee represents five decades marked by purposeful enterprise, public service and a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of society.
Appointed Executive Secretary and CEO of the LSSTF by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on October 31, 2025, Ogunsan brought to the position extensive private-sector experience, strategic thinking and a firm belief that effective security requires collaboration beyond government alone.
Since assuming office, his efforts have focused on strengthening support for security agencies, building stakeholder partnerships, mobilising resources, promoting training and supporting practical initiatives aimed at improving security across Lagos State.
Before becoming the Fund’s chief executive, Ogunsan had also served as an influential member of the LSSTF Board.
Beyond his official responsibilities, however, his colleagues say his greatest impact can be seen in the way he relates with people.
Staff members described his leadership as one that has positively influenced their lives, livelihoods and overall wellbeing, while highlighting his accessibility, generosity, mentorship and commitment to developing those around him.
The Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, described Ogunsan as a leader with a rare ability to bring “life, purpose and excellence” to everything and everyone around him.
In his birthday tribute, Lewis said he had never encountered “a soul quite like yours,” recalling how Ogunsan’s encouragement had enabled him to accomplish things he once believed were beyond his ability.
He expressed the hope that Ogunsan would enjoy many more years of service, noting that “Lagos needs you, Nigeria needs you and everyone needs you.”
Similarly, Ogunsan’s Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo, identified ownership, humility, inclusiveness and impact as four qualities that define his leadership.
According to her, Ogunsan gives himself fully to every responsibility entrusted to him while treating people with respect regardless of their background or position.
She noted that his willingness to listen to people from different walks of life does not compromise his decisiveness or clarity of purpose.
For Nwankwo, one of the most important lessons from Ogunsan’s leadership is his belief in the dignity of labour. She said he does not merely preach the principle but demonstrates it through his actions.
She also highlighted his philosophy that “show a man love, and he will change from his wicked ways,” saying it reflects his approach to encouraging people to become better versions of themselves.
The Head of Accounts at the Fund, Mr. Otun Waheed, described Ogunsan’s tenure as transformative, citing his vision, generosity and genuine concern for staff welfare.
“Since your appointment, you have transformed our lives and the Fund in ways that many of us never imagined, even in our wildest dreams. Your leadership, vision, generosity and genuine concern for the welfare of your people have made a remarkable difference,” he said.
He added that the staff were celebrating not only Ogunsan’s birthday but also the positive impact of his leadership on their lives.
For Mr. Ayowole Adeosun, Ogunsan has served as a “mentor, guardian, angel and light to his followers.”
Adeosun described it as a privilege to work under Ogunsan’s leadership, praising his vision and distinctive leadership style built around love and encouragement. He prayed that the birthday celebration would continue to inspire positivity and serve as a reflection of the impact Ogunsan has made on those around him.
The Fund’s Account Officer, Mrs. Blessing Muhammed-Ize, also credited Ogunsan’s leadership with driving growth, innovation and positive change at the organisation.
“Your leadership has brought tremendous growth, innovation, and positive change and remarkable impact. You have not only transformed the Fund but also impacted each of us through your mentorship and exemplary character,” she said.
She expressed appreciation for his leadership and wished him greater accomplishments in the years ahead, adding: “50 looks good on you, sir.”
In his tribute, the ICT Officer, Afeez Salaudeen, highlighted Ogunsan’s ability to inspire confidence and encourage people to exceed their own expectations.
Salaudeen said the LSSTF chief had a unique way of bringing “life, purpose and excellence” to people and their responsibilities, adding that his encouragement had helped him achieve things he never imagined he could accomplish alone.
Joining the tributes, the Head of Media at the LSSTF, Mayor Oki O. Samson, described Ogunsan as a leader whose influence extends beyond his official authority.
According to Samson, Ogunsan has brought to the Fund an uncommon combination of strategic thinking, private-sector experience and institutional discipline, alongside a strong conviction that security is essential to the prosperity of Lagos State and the wellbeing of its people.
He described Ogunsan as a devoted family man, philanthropist, inspirational mentor, epitome of humility, security icon and committed Christian leader whose faith informs his understanding of service.
Samson said Ogunsan’s life demonstrates the belief that influence comes with responsibility and that success achieves its greatest value when it is used for the benefit of others.
At 50, the LSSTF said it is celebrating far more than a birthday milestone. It is honouring a leader whose public responsibilities have been accompanied by a strong personal commitment to the people around him.
For the staff of the Fund, Ogunsan’s journey from entrepreneurship and security advocacy to leading one of Lagos State’s foremost security financing institutions represents a path defined by service, leadership and impact.
His Golden Jubilee, therefore, is not merely a celebration of age, but a tribute to the man behind the mandate, the character behind the office and the individual behind the achievements.
