By Victoria Onehi
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service Samuel Adeyemi Olumode has said the service will continue to strengthen training,embrace technology and improve inter-agency coordination in carrying out it’s duties and functions.
The Controller-General disclosed this while closing the National Fire Safety Week in Abuja on Friday which began nationwide on Monday 17th November.
Olumode who was represented by Deputy Controller-General Aliyu Tambari,said fire safety is evolving globally and the service will keep pace by embracing technology and investing in the capability of its personnel.
He stated: “As we close this years National Fire Safety Week, let us remember that safety is not an event, it is a continuous responsibility. Let us leave here determined to replace carelessness with caution, denial with preparedness, and wishful thinking with deliberate action.
“Over the past four days, we have engaged Nigerians across the nation with one message: fire safety begins with each of us, and we must overcome the deeply rooted “Not My Portion” mentality that has limited our preventive culture for decades.
“Throughout this week, our officers carried out sensitisation programmes in schools, markets, and economic hubs across the country and our gallant officers and men in the states went further by taking to the streets for road shows and other side attractions, making the week truly eventful. We conducted drills, demonstrations and engagements designed to empower citizens with the knowledge and mindset required to prevent fire outbreaks.”He noted.
The closing ceremony featured presentation of certificate to individuals and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding support for fire safety initiatives, excellence in compliance, and leadership in risk reduction.
Some of the agencies recognised for outstanding partnerships and awarded are Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited ( NigComsat), The African Export Import Bank,Instinct Resources Services Limited ,Star track safety Limited and Garki Secondary School,Area 10.
Others are Garki Market,Area One Shopping complex,Say Plaza ,Royal Family Academy and more.
Also Mr Reuben Taiwo won the Facebook quiz for knowing what the #NFSW (National Fire Safety Week) stands for and went home with big size fire extinguisher.
In her goodwill message,the Director General of NigComsat,Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen thanked the fire service officers for their bravery and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
She said: “When everyone runs away from fire, because of your job and commitment,you run towards it to put it out. Your courage improve the lives of individuals,organisations and communities around us.So I will encourage Nigerians to stay vigilant, practice safety and consistently support the work of our Fire agency.”
The Managing director of Instinct Resources Services Limited and former Secretary of the Civil,Defence,Correctional,Fire and Immigration Service Board HRH Alhassan Yakmut ( PhD) who was honoured for his contributions to the Federal Fire service thanked the service for recognition.He also urged them to carry sensitisation programmes to rural communities accross the country.
