Otedola boosts Lagos security architecture with N1bn – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde

Popular philanthropist and entrepreneur Femi Otedola has donated a total of one billion naira to support security architecture in Lagos, through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the donation from Otedola in the company of LSSTF Chairman, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; The Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazak Balogun, and other state officials and the Board of Directors of the LSSTF, during a symbolic event held at the Lagos House, Marina on Wednesday.

Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power PLC and son of the Third Republic Governor of Lagos State, the late Sir Michael Otedola, was represented at the event by his daughter, Olawunmi Otedola.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the donation of $1 billion, which was the largest individual donation to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, would go a long way in creating a more peaceful atmosphere and business environment conducive to economic benefits for investors and residents.

Commending Otedola for the donation, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative will boost the morale of security personnel and provide more security equipment and vehicles.

He urged other well-meaning Lagosians to emulate Otedola by joining government to make Lagos a safer place for businesses to thrive as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

“On behalf of the Fund, the Chairman of the Board, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazak Balogun and other members of the Board, we express our deep appreciation to Mr. Femi Otedola. I want other Nigerians to emulate him and even surpass his donation. The billion dollars he has donated is not the limit.

“We call on other Lagosians and well-meaning big businesses to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. The Fund is open to other donors and it is a call and challenge that Otedola has given us the pace to continue doing the right thing. We as a government have also committed to support the Fund with 300 vehicles in the first quarter of this year and we are working to make it happen.

“We want to be very intentional about this and spare no expense to ensure that we can continue to keep Lagos safe, encourage the men who do this work and continue to make Lagos the economic nerve center of our country. We thank your dad (Femi Otedola) and send him our best wishes. Where all this comes from, many more will come and its activities will flourish. He should also encourage his friends to emulate him by donating to the Fund,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Speaking on behalf of his father, Olawunmi Otedola, he commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for their hard work in keeping Lagos State safe and advised the Fund to continue its culture of transparency and judicious use of resources.

Otedola acknowledged and hailed the contribution of security personnel, especially during festive periods, towards adequate protection of life and property. He also encouraged residents to work with government for a safer Lagos.

“My father has taken an interest in this Fund since its inception and has contributed to it from time to time. Over the years the Fund has continued to live up to its mandate and has remained very relevant in the security architecture of Lagos State. This is why my father has decided to commit another $1 billion gift to the Fund to ensure the continuity of the Fund’s vital work, making him the Fund’s largest individual donor.

“Lagos State is one of the few states in Nigeria where people move freely without much security concern, even in the dead of night. Indeed, no noteworthy breach of security occurred during the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations, with all the entertainment and funfairs that accompanied them. While we thank the gallant men and women of the security services for their good work, we should recognize the role of Lagos State Security Trust Fund in allowing them.

“My father believes that when well-meaning Lagos residents contribute to this kind of effort, Lagos will be safer and we will all be more prosperous. Therefore, he encourages all Lagos residents, especially Lagos businesses and high net worth individuals, to take a moment to reflect on the importance of donating to the Fund and then make the decision to contribute even regardless of size, as every donation has the power to create waves of change”, he said.

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