Susan Abayomi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commissioned the new headquarters of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), a facility singlehandedly funded by renowned businessman and philanthropist Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu to strengthen the state’s security infrastructure.
The commissioning ceremony, held on October 24, 2026, coincided with Adebutu’s 91st birthday and attracted prominent government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, business leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate his contributions to society.
Named the Sir Kesington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building, the edifice represents a significant milestone for the LSSTF, which operated from rented accommodation for nearly two decades. The new facility provides the organisation with a permanent administrative base to coordinate private-sector support for security agencies across Lagos State.
Completed approximately 10 months after its groundbreaking ceremony on December 22, 2025, the project highlights the role of private philanthropy in supporting public institutions and strengthening the state’s security architecture.
Adebutu Reaffirms Commitment to Lagos
Speaking at the commissioning, Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, reflected on his longstanding relationship with Lagos, describing himself as a beneficiary of the opportunities the state had provided him.
“I consider myself blessed to have contributed my humble quota. I want to thank Lagosians for this opportunity because at the age of 13, I came to Lagos and lived at Okobaba from the year 1948, so inside me is a Lagos boy,” he said.
The philanthropist noted that his latest contribution was an expression of gratitude and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
“Today I am 91, I am donating an institution, so I give all glory to the good Lord,” he stated.
He further emphasised his belief that personal blessings should be used to benefit society, adding, “I have always believed that our blessings are not for us to enjoy alone but also to deploy to humanity.”
Adebutu has built a reputation for combining business success with sustained philanthropic interventions in education, healthcare, medical research and community development.
Sanwo-Olu Commends Adebutu’s Generosity
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the commissioning as an important chapter in the history of the LSSTF, tracing the organisation’s establishment to September 2007 under the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
He recalled that the Fund secured 400 vehicles within the first few months of its operations, highlighting the importance of sustained support for security agencies in the state.
The governor praised Adebutu for funding the headquarters, describing him as a philanthropist whose contributions extend beyond public statements to practical interventions.
“Baba Kesington Adebutu GCON is always on the lookout for something new, which is the beauty of life,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that Adebutu’s commitment to philanthropy was a reason to celebrate his life and legacy, noting that his actions demonstrated the importance of using personal resources to advance the public good.
Sanwo-Olu also commended LSSTF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, for his efforts in advancing the headquarters project. He recalled that the state had held the land for approximately two years before the project gained momentum under the Fund’s current leadership.
Ogunsan Celebrates Achievement of Longstanding Vision
Ogunsan described the commissioning as the realisation of a longstanding ambition to provide the Fund with a befitting permanent headquarters.
He explained that the organisation had operated from rented premises for 19 years before the new building was delivered through Adebutu’s support.
“For 19 years, the Fund worked from a rented apartment. When I set out with this vision, I reached out to my father, who has been a benefactor to me, Baba Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu GCON. Our conversation was to help turn the reality for a befitting office on the land that was granted by Gov. Sanwo-Olu. The aspiration for a befitting headquarters has been realised today,” Ogunsan said.
He described the commissioning as a major milestone in his record of service as the Fund’s chief executive, while acknowledging Adebutu’s commitment to strengthening security in Lagos.
Ogunsan also thanked Sanwo-Olu for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the organisation.
As part of his 91st birthday celebration, Adebutu donated five pickup vehicles to the LSSTF, further reinforcing his support for security operations in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the LSSTF Board, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, described the event as a moment of fulfilment for the organisation.
Durosinmi-Etti recalled his service on the Fund’s pioneer board under Chief Remi Makanjuola and expressed appreciation to Adebutu for making the headquarters project possible.
He also commended Ogunsan for securing the philanthropist’s support shortly after assuming office, describing the development as a significant achievement for the Fund.
Adebutu’s Philanthropy Spans Education and Healthcare
The new LSSTF headquarters adds to Adebutu’s longstanding record of philanthropic contributions across several sectors.
In October 2025, during his 90th birthday celebration, the University of Lagos commissioned the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre at its College of Medicine. The facility is designed to support research into tropical diseases, public health, genomics and biomedical innovation.
In 2024, he also unveiled the DIAMED Centre, a diagnostic and medical facility in Lagos equipped with advanced technology, including a three-dimensional mammography machine, to improve access to diagnostic services.
His contributions to education include the Sir Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, commissioned in October 2024. The 350-seat facility was donated to support journalism education and the training of future media professionals.
In 2020, Adebutu donated school buildings valued at ₦85 million to the Ogun State Government for two primary schools in Ogere.
His community development initiatives have also involved substantial financial commitments. In October 2025, he announced donations totalling ₦4 billion to support development projects in Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North local government areas, as well as the Iperu Akesan Development Association.
The contributions included ₦1 billion each for the three local government areas and ₦1 billion for the development association.
Adebutu’s philanthropic activities have earned recognition from prominent national figures. In his tribute to the businessman on his 90th birthday in 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged his contributions to business, education, culture and community welfare.
The President also highlighted scholarship programmes for indigent students through the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, alongside youth development, sports and other social initiatives.
Adebutu’s contributions have been recognised with the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Dignitaries Honour the Nonagenarian
The commissioning ceremony attracted an array of government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, business executives and members of the LSSTF Board.
Government representatives included the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Head of Service, Bode Agoro; Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube; and Commissioner for Housing, Fatai Akinderu-Fatai.
Also present was the pioneer Chairman of the LSSTF Board, Chief Remi Makanjuola.
The traditional institution was represented by white-cap chiefs acting on behalf of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, led by High Chief Lateef Ajose. The Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, was also represented at the event.
The security sector was represented by senior officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Among those in attendance were Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Akpanudom, representing the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ronke Nurat Okunade of the Maritime Police Command; Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani; and Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Owolabi Ayokunle.
Other security representatives included Air Commodore M.A. Imam, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams Aliu, ACGN Wali Liman Abubakar, Comptroller Christopher Olu Onajinrin and Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Dr Ifalade Oyekan, also attended.
Other guests included the Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Sesan Olowa; Chief Executive Officer of the ASR Initiative, Ubon Udoh; Ayo Otuyalo; and FirstBank Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu.
Adebutu was accompanied by his wife, Kofoworola Adebutu, while Ogunsan’s wife, Dr Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan, joined the celebration.
Adding colour to the occasion, internationally acclaimed gospel singer Dr Ajokesings performed special birthday songs in honour of Adebutu, drawing enthusiastic commendation from guests.
The commissioning of the Sir Kesington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building stands as another testament to the philanthropist’s commitment to public service. Beyond providing the LSSTF with a permanent headquarters, the project underscores how sustained private-sector contributions can strengthen public institutions and support the safety and development of communities.
