By Olugbolahan Kuku
December 11, 2025, the Governor of Lagos; Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted the top echelon of the Corporate, Civil and Security groups in Lagos to the most important gathering on Security in Lagos State. It was the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor. Over the years, this event has become an entrenched culture in Lagos State and successive Governments have taken it seriously, as it is the most comprehensive conference on Security in Lagos State. The private sector has been deeply integrated into the funding and planning of security in Lagos, and the collaborative efforts are top-notch! Mr. Governor throughout his tenure has made the security of Lagos a top priority, therefore, the Annual Town Hall Meeting On Security is the flagship event on the efforts of the Government and its collaborators to secure Lagos.
At the Town Hall Meeting, the Governor urged all Nigerians, particularly the residents of Lagos State to re-strategize and find a lasting solution to the country’s security challenges, noting that security of lives and property is a shared responsibility of the government and citizens. Governor Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives, property, investments and the future of Lagos and expressed readiness to collaborate and support the Federal Government and other relevant security agencies to achieve a crime-free society.
The theme of this year’s ATHMSWG is “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era Of Security And Partnerships” and was held at the elite Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) was the organizer of the well-attended meeting. Spotted at the security conference include:
Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the economy; Mr. Wale Edun
Minister of Education; Dr Tunji Alausa
Chairman Dangote Group; Alh. Aliko Dangote
Chairman of Zenith Bank; Dr. Jim Ovia
Chairman of Access Holdings Plc (Access Bank); Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
The Conference 57; (League of Chairmen of the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State)
Serving and former public office holders; captains of industry; traditional, religious and political leaders; heads of security agencies, security personnel; and others.
The Governor and Conference 57 jointly donated 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the State to boost their operations in Lagos. Amongst the league of LGA and LCDA Chairmen who are always there to support the Governor is Hon. Adetola Adunni Abubakar; Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. The synergy between the Governor and the Council Chairmen, which has always been very effective was highlighted at this event. The event was made colourful by the commissioning of these 100 units of operational vehicles donated by the Chairmen and the Governor.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced a plan by renowned philanthropist, Sir Kensington Adebutu to build a brand-new purpose-built headquarters for LSSTF, which will be completed and commissioned within 12 months. He expressed gratitude to Sir Adebutu for his plan to build the LSSTF Head Office, which he described as a landmark contribution to long-term security infrastructure for Lagos. The Governor also took the chance to further harp on the importance of such collaborations, noting that every investment in security is a direct investment in peace, order and prosperity. He said security cannot be left to the government alone but requires contributions from the private sector, community groups, and every resident of Lagos State. Donations have been received to the tune of N1.8 Billion within the last one year, and this include several “citizens’ mites” as little as N5,000 as well as the big corporate donations.
During his speech, the Governor unveiled a new Tech-driven security architecture aimed at using modern technology to curtail crime and secure the State even better. Governor Sanwo-Olu also outlined key priorities for the state’s security strategy, which include sustainability through public-private partnerships and citizens’ participation, continuous modernization and technological adaptation, institutional coordination and intelligence-led policing, transparency, accountability and public trust, inclusiveness, community engagement and citizen empowerment, and finally, preparedness for emerging challenges and long-term vision. He also commended the immediate past Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Abdulrrazaq Balogun, for his remarkable service to Lagos State and introduced the newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
At the end of the ATHMSWG 2025, all participants were convinced that with the investments made and strategies in place for security in Lagos State, Lagosians can sleep with 40 million eyes closed! …and Hon. Adetola Abubakar was there to bring the home glad tidings to the people of Agboyi-Ketu.
