Nigerian businessman and lottery billionaire Kessington Adebutu Donates ₦800 Million Lagos Security Fund Building, Five Patrol Vehicles

Nigerian businessman and lottery billionaire Kessington Adebutu has donated a multi-storey headquarters valued at more than ₦800 million to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), alongside five patrol vehicles to support security operations across the state.

The building, which Adebutu fully financed, was commissioned by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday in Ikeja’s Central Business District.

The project brings to an end nearly two decades of the trust fund operating from rented offices. It was completed about 10 months after Sanwo-Olu performed the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2025.

In recognition of Adebutu’s contribution, the fund’s board named the facility the Sir Kessington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building.

The donation is estimated to have been worth approximately $600,000 when construction began. Adebutu is also marking his 91st birthday on Saturday.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Adebutu described his contribution as an expression of gratitude to God and a commitment to protecting lives and property.

He said the project represented a lasting demonstration of collective responsibility towards improving security in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the businessman for his generosity and continued support for the state.

The governor noted that the new headquarters should improve the trust fund’s operations and strengthen collaboration with the individuals and organisations supporting security agencies.

He stressed that the value of the building would ultimately be determined by the results it helped the fund achieve.

How the Lagos Security Trust Fund Operates

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund was established by law in 2007 to mobilise financial and material support from private individuals, businesses and other organisations for security agencies operating in the state.

The fund provides equipment, logistics and other resources to the police and relevant security agencies to strengthen their ability to tackle crime and maintain public safety.

Adebutu is regarded as one of the fund’s major and longstanding supporters.

During the groundbreaking ceremony in December, the fund’s Executive Secretary, Ayodele Ogunsan, disclosed that the businessman had agreed to finance the construction of the office complex entirely as a donation.

Adebutu had also promised that the building would be completed and fully furnished by October 2026.

The new headquarters is expected to serve as a central point where individuals and corporate organisations can engage with the fund and support security initiatives across Lagos.

Ogunsan called on more businesses and private citizens to contribute to the initiative, stressing that partnerships between the government and the private sector remained important to improving security.

From Salesman to Successful Lottery Businessman

Adebutu was born in October 1935 in Iperu, Ogun State. He began his career as a salesman at Classic Chemical Limited and eventually rose to the position of sales manager before venturing into pools betting and lottery operations.

He later founded Premier Lotto, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, which grew into one of Nigeria’s most recognised lottery businesses.

The company built a large distribution network through thousands of retail agents, particularly across Lagos and southwestern Nigeria.

Over the years, Adebutu expanded his business interests into banking, manufacturing and construction.

Through Neemtree Limited, he holds a 29.59 per cent stake in Wema Bank Plc, making him the bank’s largest individual shareholder, according to the report.

He also owns approximately 10 per cent of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and a 69.9 per cent stake in Arbico Plc, a publicly listed construction company.

Adebutu Expands Philanthropic Activities

The businessman has also increased his contributions to healthcare, education and community development.

To mark his 90th birthday in 2025, Adebutu commissioned a medical research centre valued at ₦5 billion at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

He also donated ₦1 billion each to Sagamu and Ikenne local government areas in Ogun State, as well as his hometown, Iperu.

Through the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, he supports educational scholarships for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, alongside youth development and sporting programmes.

President Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, previously described Adebutu as a quiet philanthropist and credited him with playing a significant role in the development of Nigeria’s modern lottery industry.

His latest donation adds to his philanthropic activities and is expected to strengthen the infrastructure available to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund as it continues to support security agencies across the state.