LSSTF Celebrates Executive Secretary/CEO, Ogunsan At 50 • as staff outpours love on the indefatigable leader
By Oki O. Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
As Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan marks his 50th birthday, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) is celebrating not only its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, but a man whose five decades have been marked by purposeful enterprise, public service and an uncommon commitment to the safety and wellbeing of society. For the Fund, Ogunsan’s Golden Jubilee is also an opportunity to reflect on the character behind the office.
Appointed by the Executive Governor of Lagos Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the Executive Secretary/CEO on 31st October 2025, Dr. Ogunsan has brought to the position a blend of private-sector experience, strategic thinking and a deep conviction that effective security requires more than government action alone. His work has centred on strengthening support for security agencies, deepening stakeholder partnerships, mobilising resources, promoting training and encouraging practical interventions that contribute to a safer Lagos. Before assuming the chief executive role, he had previously served as an highly influential member of the LSSTF Board.
But beyond the official record, the people who work closest to Dr. Ogunsan describe a man whose greatest influence is felt in the way he treats people. They concluded that the tenure of the indefatigable leader has made a remarkable difference in their lives, livelihood, and well-being.
For Mr. Adegbola Lewis, the Director of Administration, Dr. Ogunsan possesses a rare ability to bring “life, purpose and excellence” to everything and everyone around him. “I have never encountered a soul quite like yours,” he wrote in his birthday tribute, recalling how Ogunsan’s encouragement had helped him achieve things he once thought impossible on his own. His prayer was simple but profound: that the years ahead would be many because “Lagos needs you, Nigeria needs you and everyone needs you.”
Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo, Executive Assistant, pointed to four qualities she considers defining: ownership, humility, inclusiveness and impact. She said Dr. Ogunsan gives himself completely to every responsibility entrusted to him, while treating people with respect irrespective of their background or position. His ability to listen to people from all walks of life, she added, does not diminish his decisiveness or clarity of purpose. For her, however, the most significant lesson has been his belief in dignity of labour. Ogunsan, she observed, does not merely speak about it; he lives it. His repeated philosophy that “show a man love, and he will change from his wicked ways” is reflected in how he encourages people to become better versions of themselves.
during the cutting of Dr. Ogunsan’s 50th Birthday Cake…
Mr. Otun Waheed, the head of account with the Fund, described Dr. 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.
Today, we celebrate not only your birthday, but also the positive impact you have made on all of us.”
For Mr. Ayowole Adeosun, he described Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan as a “mentor, guardian, angel and light to his followers,” indicating that “it’s a privilege to serve under your reputable supervision, a man of vision with a visionary style of leadership that stands out with love” and prayed that his special day will continue to be a reflection of positivity and inspiration.
Another staff, the account officer, Mrs. Blessing Muhammed-Ize, credited his leadership with growth, innovation and positive change at the Fund. “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. Thank you for your inspiring leadership. Wishing you a wonderful celebration and a year filled with greater achievements. 50 looks good on you sir.”
The ICT officer, Afeez Salaudeen, in his tribute, captured the emotional centre of the celebration: Dr. Ogunsan is a leader whose confidence in people inspires them to give more, dream bigger and approach their responsibilities not merely as jobs, but as opportunities to make meaningful impact. “You have a unique way of bringing life, purpose and excellence to everything and everyone around you. You have brought out the best in me to achieve, things I have never imagined I could do all alone.”
To cap the tributes, the Head of Media at LSSTF, Mayor Oki O. Samson joined colleagues in celebrating a man whose influence extends beyond formal authority. “Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan has brought to the Fund an uncommon combination of strategic thinking, private-sector experience, institutional discipline and an abiding conviction that security is indispensable to the prosperity of Lagos and the wellbeing of its people. He is a devoted family man, philanthropist, inspirational mentor, epitome of humility, security icon, a committed Christian leader and a man whose faith informs his understanding of service. His life reflects the conviction that influence carries responsibility and that success acquires its deepest meaning when it is deployed for the good of others.”
At 50, therefore, LSSTF is celebrating more than a milestone. It is celebrating a man whose public responsibilities are matched by a personal investment in people. This combination has made his defining journey from entrepreneur and security advocate to the CEO of Lagos’ foremost security financing institution one worthy of emulation and recognition.
For the staff at LSSTF, the Golden Jubilee is not simply a birthday. It is a celebration of the man behind the mandate, the character behind the office and the human being behind the achievements.
