R-L The Guest Speaker and Executive Director, Development Spec Academy, Prof Okey Okechukwu,the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service,Samuel Adeyemi Olumode,his wife and President Fire Officers Wives Association (FOWA) in Nigeria Mrs Olufunke Mary Olumode and other dignitaries at the event.
By Victoria Onehi
The Executive Director, Development Spec Academy, Prof Okey Okechukwu has said fire fighters and men of the fire service should be taken for training at least twice a year to enable them carry out their jobs effectively.
Okechukwu gave this charge while giving his lecture at the event to mark the International Firefighters Day 2026 held at the Federal Fire Service,Abuja.
Speaking on the topic ‘Courage Under Fire: Recognising the Sacrifices and Realities of Firefighting, he said though there are challenges in the area of infrastructure deficit, equipment deficit and in the reward system,fire fighters must remain resilient.
“Courage under fire is blend of duty, training, belief and action in dangerous situations.It entails facing situations were hesitation could be fetal despite clear presentations.Yes,there are challenges in the area of infrastructure,yes there are challenges in the reward system, but never forget that you are central to the security of civilians.You must understand the power of sacrifice if you must be successful in the profession.”Okechukwu said.
He called on the government and stakeholders to give priority to the welfare and renumeration of firefighters to help them carry out their task seamlessly and efficiently.
In his address,the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service,Samuel Adeyemi Olumode said the International Firefighters Day is a day set aside to remember the sacrifices paid by firefighters accross the world.
“We remember those who have paid the ultimate price.We stand with those who carry injuries, both visible and invisible, and we reaffirm that their sacrifices are not forgotten; they are the foundation upon which this Service stands.
“Firefighting is not merely a career; it is a lifelong commitment to humanity. It demands that you move toward danger when instinct tells you to retreat.”
Olumode said under his watch deliberate step will be taken to provide adequate welfare to fire fighters and intensify on their training.
“Under my leadership, we have taken deliberate and measurable steps to prioritise not just the performance of our personnel, but their welfare, dignity, and long term well-being.
“We have also intensified capacity development; not just to improve performance, but to protect lives, including the lives of our firefighters. The successful training and induction of over 700 cadet officers in Jos represents a strategic investment in a safer, stronger, and more prepared workforce, equipped to face the complex realities of modern emergency response.
“We have further strengthened our Officers through specialised trainings such as the Haskebiu Training Programme in Jaji, Counter-Ambush Intelligence and Movement Security Course 1/2026, at the Defence Intelligence College, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and other strategic capacity building programmes designed to enhance operational competence and leadership.”
Olumode inaugurated the Controller General’s Awards Committee, a structured platform designed to identify and honour gallantry, professionalism, and outstanding service within the ranks.
The President,Fire Disaster Prevention and Safety,Dr Ahmed Badanga said the institution of the National Fire Fighting Hero Award would boast the moral of fire fighters in Nigeria and urged the Federal government to do all within it’s power improve the welfare packages of fire fighters as it’s done in other climes.
