Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended philanthropist and Elder statesman, Dr Kensington Adebutu, for donating a purpose-built facility to strengthen the operations of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

Mr Sanwo-Olu spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the LSSTF building in Lagos on Monday.

He said that the project underscored the power of public, private partnership in sustaining peace, safety and economic growth in Africa’s largest city.

The governor said that the facility, expected to be completed by October 2026, was a major boost to security governance in the state.

He said that the building would provide a lasting institutional home for the Trust Fund and further enhance coordination among security agencies in the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu added that the LSSTF had, over the years, become a national model for security funding and coordination, attributing its success to consistency, transparency and the support of committed partners.

“This project will outlive all of us. It speaks to continuity, legacy and the belief that institutions must be strengthened beyond individuals,” the governor said.

He also commended Mr Adebutu’s patriotism, describing the donation as a reflection of selfless leadership and service to humanity.

Mr Sanwo-Olu charged the contractors handling the project to adhere strictly to specifications and timelines, stressing that the state would monitor progress closely to ensure delivery before the scheduled completion date.

“We will ensure that there are no unnecessary variations. By August or September 2026, we expect finishing works so that this facility can be ready as planned,” he said.

The governor thanked security chiefs, board members of the LSSTF and other partners for their sustained commitment, urging them to remain vigilant in keeping Lagos safe.

“As a government, security remains our primary responsibility, and with the support of fathers like Dr Adebutu, we will not drop the ball,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

In his remarks, Mr Adebutu said the intervention was driven by a deep sense of duty to Lagos State and its people.

He noted that security remained central to the state’s identity as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

“This call to duty resonates strongly within me. I regard it not merely as a privilege, but as a responsibility to our beloved Lagos State, the heart of Nigeria’s commerce and enterprise,” Mr Adebutu said.

He said the project represented a decisive step toward safeguarding lives and property, securing markets and ensuring that Lagos continued to serve as a sanctuary of peace, stability and opportunity.

“Through this landmark intervention, we are taking a bold step to protect our people and ensure that Lagos remains a place of hope and inspiration, not only for Nigerians but for the black race,” he added.

Mr Adebutu expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the opportunity to contribute, commending Mr Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and commitment to security development.

He said, “I pledge my full support to this government and pray that God will continue to guide Lagos State as we work collectively to ensure enduring peace and safety.”

He described the building as a monument to collective responsibility, noting that purposeful use of resources for the common good left a legacy that generations would remember.

The Chairman of the LSSTF board, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, and the Executive Secretary, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, applauded the governor.

The event was attended by Dr Obafemi Hamzat and other top government officials, security chiefs, members of the LSSTF board and other stakeholders.

(NAN)