AND THE MAN PULLED THE RIGHT TRIGGER — AND EVERYTHING CHANGED.
By: Prince Tunde Aiyekooto
Not the trigger of anger.
Not the trigger of fear.
Not the trigger everyone expected him to pull.
For 19 years, there were two triggers in front of him.
The left one was easy — Complain. Blame. Quit. It was loud, it was popular, and it offered momentary justification.
The right one was quiet — Discipline. Believe. Do it again tomorrow. Nobody clapped for it. Nobody noticed it.
That morning, with bills on the table at the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and doubt in his chest, his hand was shaking. The whole world was waiting for him to pull the left trigger again.
And the man pulled the right trigger.
He chose to try one more time.
The right trigger sent shockwaves through the school of negativity. From his first day in office, he understood that history had to be written and the narrative had to change. Lagosians are an impatient people; they demand results. The confidence reposed in him by the working-machine Governor must not be taken for granted.
A gun is useless without a bullet. And finding the right bullet to hit the target is as imperative as the role of a river in the life of a fish.
Without mincing words, the car engine roared to life that early morning, heading straight to a man whose philosophy is giving praise to God, a man of excellent perfection who understands that dignity of life is inconsequential without selfless philanthropy to humanity — the glorious cause of service.
There, he found the bullet for the gun.
…And the man pulled the right trigger that morning. From there, history was born.
The journey of a thousand miles kick-started without looking back.
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, popularly called the Civilian IGP, was appointed Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, effective October 31, 2025.
According to impeccable sources, he came with deep institutional knowledge, having previously served on the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
His tenure has been marked by a rapid turnaround, as detailed in his First 100 Days scorecard. Little wonder he found both the bullet and the gun.
*Achievements Speaks*
1. Strengthening the Fund’s Financial Base
His immediate priority was fundraising reform:
• Introduced new fundraising channels, including crowdfunding initiatives.
• Hosted a high-level fundraising breakfast meeting with public and private sector stakeholders.
• Revived retail donation channels to encourage broader public participation.
• Secured vehicle donations from automobile manufacturers operating in Lagos.
Between November 2024 and November 2025, the LSSTF received N1,848,406,100 in cash donations under his leadership.
2. Visible Operational Deployment
• Injected 80 additional operational and patrol vehicles into the Lagos security architecture to improve rapid response and visibility.
• Commenced statewide repairs and restoration of abandoned Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to return them to operational use.
• Extended support to tertiary institutions with security vehicles and equipment for campus safety.
• Supported youth advocacy campaigns to encourage Lagos youths to join the Police and other security agencies.
3. Accountability and Institutional Reform
• Introduced the LSSTF Monitoring Team to ensure proper tracking, accountability and maintenance of assets donated to security agencies.
• Sustained frequent and robust engagements with all security agencies operating in Lagos.
4. A Permanent Home for LSSTF — After 19 Years
For nearly 19 years, LSSTF operated from a temporary office. Ogunsan set a personal goal to build a permanent secretariat.
*The Pathfinder Finds the Bullet*
He secured Sir Dr. Kessington Adebukola Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) as sole donor for the project. Adebutu pledged immediately, on the condition that the building be completed before his next birthday. The edifice was commissioned on the eve of his 91st birthday in October 2026 and named the “Sir Dr. Kessington Adebukola Adebutu Building: Lagos State Security Trust Fund.”
In addition to the building, Adebutu donated five brand new pickup vehicles to the LSSTF.
…And The Man Pulled The Right Trigger.
*The Executioner*
Dr. Ayo Ogunsan had announced that the permanent complex would enhance coordination and efficiency, with delivery targeted for October 2026. It was a silent moment for doubters. It was done and dusted.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Recognition
• Hosted the Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security for open engagement between government, security agencies and the public, with awards for deserving security officers.
• Hosted an impactful breakfast meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu as Chief Fundraiser.
6. Forward-Looking Security Initiatives
In the same 100 Days briefing, Ogunsan laid out next-phase plans:
• Statewide training for security personnel — a 2026 programme targeting over 1,000 personnel on professional capacity, ethical standards and collaboration.
• Procurement of more security equipment and operational accessories.
• Aerial surveillance partnership — MoU with the Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Police Airwing for use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones) for intelligence and rapid response.
• Renovation of Police Stations — engaging stakeholders to renovate dilapidated stations, specifically 30 stations damaged during the #EndSARS protests.
• Safer School Patrol initiative with the Ministry of Basic Education and the Police.
• Public enlightenment campaigns against crime and social vices.
• Support for grassroots initiatives like the Agege Security Trust Fund with vehicles and protective gear (helmets, vests, boots, raincoats).
• Support to the Maritime Police Command with 30 ballistic helmets, vests, boots and raincoats.
In summary, Dr Ogunsan’s leadership has moved LSSTF from being a mere funding intermediary to an active operational enabler — combining fundraising innovation, asset deployment, accountability structures, and a permanent institutional home.
Too good to be true, I have to remind you:
*…And the man pulled the right trigger.*
*Not fear. Not excuses.*
*He chose faith over fear, work over worry, and future over past*
Your life changes the moment you pull the right trigger. In the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the bar has been raised.
*Prince Tunde Aiyekooto is the Editor, Aiyekooto Reporters, Social Commentator and Security Analyst.*
About Author
