Susan Abayomi
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has become the first major donor to the newly established Agege Security Trust Fund, donating a brand-new operational vehicle and pledging protective equipment to strengthen security operations in the local government area.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, announced the support on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during the official launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund at the Agege Local Government Secretariat in Lagos.
Ogunsan said the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would continue to support structured community-based security initiatives aimed at improving safety across the state.
He also pledged to mobilise additional support for the Agege initiative, which was established by the council chairman, Hon. Vinod Obasa, to strengthen security at the grassroots.
Ogunsan said the LSSTF had operated successfully since 2007, adding that its experience could serve as a model for the newly established trust fund.
“I want to lead by example. Lagos State Government has succeeded in running this initiative since 2007. By December, we will have the 20th anniversary of a successful operation of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund,” he said.
He expressed confidence that sustained commitment and collaboration would position Agege as a model for community security in Lagos State.
As part of the intervention, Ogunsan announced the donation of a brand-new operational vehicle and pledged to provide 10 ballistic helmets, 10 bulletproof vests, raincoats and operational boots to support security personnel.
In his remarks, Agege Local Government Chairman, Hon. Vinod Obasa, expressed appreciation to the LSSTF chief executive for the support, describing it as a significant contribution to the council’s security efforts.
Obasa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising safety and security, noting that protecting lives and property remained a key responsibility of government.
He also announced members of the board of the Agege Security Trust Fund, including himself, former Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairman, Hon. JS Babatunde, and the LSSTF representative, Mr Adeniran Samson Israel, among others.
According to him, Mr Anikulapo would serve as the pioneer chief executive officer of the new security funding initiative.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, called for stronger cooperation between residents and security agencies, stressing that community participation remained essential to effective policing.
Tijani noted that security agencies continued to face manpower challenges, making public cooperation and timely intelligence sharing important in preventing crime.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the LSSTF to security operations across Lagos State, urging stakeholders to sustain their collective efforts.
Also speaking, Babatunde highlighted the important role of ward-level structures in grassroots security, particularly in identifying vulnerable locations, gathering early intelligence and strengthening relationships between residents and security agencies.
He urged the leadership of the Agege Security Trust Fund to uphold transparency, integrity and inclusiveness, noting that public trust and cooperation were essential to achieving lasting security improvements.
The apex leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege Local Government Area, Safari Adaranijo, also called on residents to take greater responsibility for security within their communities.
Adaranijo stressed that government could not address security challenges alone, urging households and community members to contribute actively to efforts aimed at preventing crime.
Other dignitaries at the event included CP Fatai Tijani, former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman, Hon. JS Babatunde, the first chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Owolabi Dada, Area G Commander, ACP Veronica Ameh Akpa, and the council manager, Osikoya Adesina.
Community leaders and other stakeholders welcomed the LSSTF’s intervention, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the newly launched security initiative.
The event also featured a celebration of Ogunsan’s 50th birthday.
