How FFS trained, deployed 700 cadet firefighters nationwide, refurbished 40 trucks – Olumode

… As NIPR inducts 39 FFS PROs

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has said it has recently revamped over 40 firefighting appliances, while two modern firefighting appliances as well as over two thousand personal protective gears have been supplied.

This is coming as the Service also revealed that over 700 cadet officers have been trained in basic firefighting and deployed across Commands, while specialised capacity has been strengthened through counter-terrorism training in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser the Arm Forces to boost the operational capacity of the Service.

Speaking Friday in Abuja during a one-day National Stakeholders’ Summit on fire safety and induction of 39 Public Relations Officers of FFS from across the country into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Controller General of the Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who coincidentally marked one year since he assumed office, said for the first time in the history of FFS, PROs from the 36 states and the FCT were brought together for a coordinated and structured training programme, with professional preparation towards their recognition and certification.

According to him, over the past year, we have focused on strengthening the Service operationally, professionally and institutionally. In staff welfare, we have strengthened access to medical intervention, provided interest-free loan opportunities, improved support for families of deceased personnel and continued attention to promotion and related entitlements.

“In operational readiness, we have rehabilitated and revamped 40 firefighting appliances, while two modern firefighting appliances as well as over two thousand personal protective gears have been supplied. We are also developing and upgrading facilities at the National Fire Academy in line with international best practices, in fact when re opened, the academy will be the best in Africa for training of firefighters and other emergency related trainings.

“Over 700 Cadet officers have been trained in basic firefighting and deployed across Commands, while specialised capacity has been strengthened through counter-terrorism training in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Arm Forces, etc.”

The CG therefore encouraged stakeholders to make the summit practical.

He the Federal Fire Service cannot build national fire resilience alone, adding that fire safety affects education, housing, industry, transportation, construction, energy, commerce, health, the environment and the communities.

“We therefore need stronger partnerships where knowledge, expertise, information and resources are shared for the common good.

“We also need to expand the number of fire stations across the country. Nigeria needs a multiplicity of strategically located fire stations so that emergency response can be brought closer to our communities and response time reduced.

“I therefore call on individuals and organisations with the capacity to support this effort, particularly our deep-pocket Nigerians, philanthropists, business leaders and corporate organisations, to emulate the good examples of the Offa Descendant Association Fire Station, Oyo Town Fire Station, Idanre Fire Station, Bonny Island Fire Station and Kugbo Fire Station. Establishing or supporting a fire station is not merely philanthropy; it is an investment in lives, property and the safety of our communities.

“During an emergency, the public has a role to play. Giving fire appliances a clear path, keeping unnecessary crowds away, providing useful information to responders and sharing verified information can make a real difference to the speed and effectiveness of our response.”

While officially inducting the new NIPR members, President, Chairman of Council of the institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, urged the FFS management not to value the inductees having raised them as ambassadors.

The NIPR President also tasked the new members to be good ambassadors of the institute.

He said: “I want to recommend that in partnership with the Federal Fire Service, the NIPR is prepared to help you develop a communication framework.”