…As Dr. Ajokesings sings special birthday songs for sir Adebutu at 91
By Constance Adaurie
At 91, businessman and philanthropist Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu has funded the new headquarters of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), providing the agency with a permanent administrative base after nearly two decades in rented accommodation.
Commissioned by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the building is named the Sir Kesington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building in recognition of his contribution.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said the new headquarters would end the Fund’s long stay in rented premises and support its work of mobilising private-sector funding for security agencies across Lagos State.
The building was completed about 10 months after its groundbreaking ceremony on December 22, 2025.
Sir Kesington Adebutu GCON: A Lagos Boy’s Enduring Commitment to Security
In his remarks at the commissioning, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu GCON, fondly called Baba Ijebu, offered a personal recollection that captured the depth of his connection to Lagos. “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 remark was more than a nostalgic reference to his early years. It was an affirmation of belonging, gratitude and the relationship between personal success and the community in which it was nurtured.
Adebutu, who turned 91 today October 24, 2026, has built a formidable reputation in business and enterprise, while establishing a parallel record of philanthropy across education, healthcare and community development. His story reflects the journey of a man who rose from humble beginnings to considerable commercial success and who continues to regard giving as an essential expression of gratitude. “Today I am 91, I am donating an institution, so I give all glory to the good Lord,” he said.
He described the new headquarters as more than bricks and mortar, calling it proof of his commitment to security. He added: “I have always believed that our blessings are not for us to enjoy alone but also to deploy to humanity.”
It is a statement that provides a fitting lens through which to understand his philanthropic journey. The value of a donation of this magnificent scale lies not in its monetary worth but in the human need it addresses and the institutional capacity it creates.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu: ‘Philanthropy is not by the word of mouth’
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who traced the LSSTF’s origins to September 2007 under the administration of former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, described the commissioning of the edifice as a significant moment in the Fund’s history.
Reflecting on the agency’s early years, he recalled that it had secured 400 vehicles within the first few months of its operations, underscoring the importance of sustained contributions to the state’s security capacity.
He reserved particular praise for Adebutu, whose latest contribution has provided the Fund with a permanent home. “Baba Kesington Adebutu GCON is always on the lookout for something new, which is the beauty of life,” the Governor said. “This is why we know that God will keep preserving his life because he has shown that philanthropy is not by word of mouth.”
The Governor’s words captured the distinction between expressions of generosity and the willingness to commit resources to tangible public benefit. Adebutu’s donation of the project brings a sense of fulfillment for the journey which began in his office while he served as a Commissioner. He commended Ogunsan for raising the bar since assuming office, noting that the state had held the land for approximately two years before the project gained momentum under the current LSSTF leadership.
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan: A Vision Becomes Reality
For Dr. Ogunsan, the commissioning of the edifice represented the fulfilment of a long-standing institutional aspiration. He described Adebutu’s contribution as visionary and impactful, linking it to the philanthropist’s commitment to the safety, stability and progress of Lagos State. “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 declared.
“We have gathered to commission this office on the eve of your 91st birthday,” Ogunsan said in a tribute to the nonagenarian. “This will remain a significant milestone in my record of service as LSSTF ES/CEO. This will also become a legacy in your life for your commitment to security in Lagos State.”
Ogunsan also expressed appreciation to Gov. Sanwo-Olu for finding him worthy of appointment and entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Fund. The LSSTF chief executive also revealed that Baba Adebutu had donated five pickup vehicles to the Fund in celebration of his 91st birthday, adding another practical contribution to the relationship between the philanthropist and the agency.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the LSSTF Board, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, described the occasion as a day of fulfilment for the mandate that created the Fund. He recalled his service on the pioneer board under Chief Remi Makanjuola and expressed gratitude to Adebutu for making the new headquarters possible. “Barely a week into his coming to office, Dr Ogunsan secured the man who has singlehandedly built this office,” Etti said, acknowledging the speed with which the vision moved towards implementation.
A Philanthropic Record of Giving that Touches Humanity on All Sides
The LSSTF building headquarters is not an isolated act of generosity. Publicly documented contributions show a philanthropic record spanning education, medical research, healthcare infrastructure and community development. In October 2025 marking his 90th birthday, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) commissioned the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre at its College of Medicine. According to the university, the centre is intended to support research in tropical diseases, public health, genomics and biomedical innovation, providing a platform for collaboration and advancing medical knowledge. That investment in medical research followed another major healthcare initiative in 2024, when Sir Kesington Adebutu unveiled the DIAMED Centre, a diagnostic and medical facility in Lagos equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including a 3D mammography machine. The project reflected an effort to expand access to sophisticated diagnostic services within Nigeria.
His contributions to education have been equally visible. In October 2024, the Nigerian Institute of Journalism commissioned the Sir Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Centre, a 350-seat facility donated to support the training of future journalists. Gov. Sanwo-Olu, praised the nonagenarian, Adebutu for supporting an important aspect of nation-building. Earlier contributions include school buildings valued at ₦85 million donated to the Ogun State Government in 2020 for two primary schools in Ogere.
His support for community development has also involved substantial financial commitments. In October 2025, Adebutu announced NGN 4 billion in development donations including NGN 1 billion each for Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North local government areas, as well as NGN 1 billion for the Iperu Akesan Development Association. The support was to advance socioeconomic and community development.
President Tinubu, in his tribute to Adebutu on his 90th birthday in 2025, acknowledged his contributions to business, education, culture and community welfare. The President highlighted scholarship support for indigent students through the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, as well as youth programmes, sports and social development initiatives. His grand philanthropic gestures culminated in the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
The significance of these contributions is not that one philanthropist can solve every social challenge. It is that sustained giving, directed towards practical needs, can strengthen institutions and widen opportunities for people who may never meet the person responsible for the intervention.
Dignitaries Gather to Celebrate A Living Legend, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu GCON
The commissioning attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, members of the LSSTF Board, business leaders and other stakeholders. Those present included the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Head of Service, Bode Agoro; Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube; Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Fatai Akinderu-Fatai; and pioneer LSSTF Board Chairman, Chief Remi Makanjuola.
Traditional representations included the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, represented by white-cap chiefs led by High Chief Lateef Ajose, and Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara.
The security community was represented by senior officers, including AIG Simeon Akpanudom, representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu; AIG Maritime Police Command, AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani; Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig Gen. Owolabi Ayokunle; Commander, 651 BSG Air Commodore MA Imam; Commander, NNS Beecroft Commodore Aiwuyor Adams Aliu; Director of DSS Lagos; Commander, NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, ACGN Wali Liman Abubakar; Comptroller, Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos Command, Comptroller Christopher Olu Onajinrin; Comptroller, Nigerian Customs Service, FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni; Comptroller, NIS Lagos Airport Command; Representative of the Commandant, NSCDC Lagos Command; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Dr Ifalade Oyekan.
Other guests included board members of the LSSTF including the Chairman of Conference 57, Hon Sesan Olowa; Chief Executive Officer of ASR Initiative, Ubon Udoh; Ayo Otuyalo, and FirstBank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu. Adebutu was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Kofoworola Adebutu, while Ogunsan’s wife, Dr Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan, joined the celebration. The globally acclaimed Gospel singer, known widely as Dr. Ajokesings presented the birthday songs which received rapturous commendation from everyone gathered at the event.
At 91, Sir Kesington Adebutu’s story invites reflection. The Kesington Adebutu Security Trust Fund building is both a gift to an institution, LSSTF and a statement about responsibility, gratitude and the enduring value of giving.
