Gov Ambode reiterates commitment to repositioning fire service

GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the Department of Fire Service to meet global standards of fire prevention.

Ambode gave this assurance at the Passing-Out Parade/Induction Ceremony of 100 Newly Trained Firemen (Squad 19) held at the Lagos State Fire Service Headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The governor, who was represented by Mr Oluseye Oladejo, the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, said he was committed to emergency rescue service.

“In view of the growing population and rapid physical development in Lagos State, our administration realised the urgent need to expand the operational frontiers of the Fire Service.

“This is to meet the expectations of people in terms of prompt response, management and execution strategy.

“We have also devoted time, resources and energy to reposition the Department of Fire Service to place emphasis on a proactive approach to fire prevention.

“We are also devoted to safety advocacy in order to educate and enlighten the public on how to prevent and manage fire outbreaks.

“This would reduce domestic and occupational fire hazards to the barest minimum.

“The Department is also now better equipped to coordinate, receive and respond to fire outbreak across the state,’’ he said.

Ambode said that the recruitment and training of new firemen showed the government’s commitment to institutionalise a safety culture in the state.

He said the recruitment and training also spoke volume of his administration’s determination to improve efficiency and response time.

“We have upscaled the functionality of the firefighters with a new set of 100 operatives.

“These firefighters have just completed their mandatory training and are being inducted into the fire service today to join the existing firefighters.

“We have also recently recruited additional 150 fire officers who are currently undergoing training and will be inducted into the fire service in the next few months.

“With this boost of personnel for the directorate, we hope there will be an improvement in the response pace of our officers to emergency occurrences.’’

The governor urged the new fire-fighters to uphold the ethics of the fire service and dedicate themselves to the prevention of fire outbreaks as well as protection of lives of Lagosians.

He said that the state government had also set up fire service stations at Ijegun, Eredo, Badagry, Ijede and Ikorodu areas of the state.

Earlier in his address, Mr Rasak Fadipe, the Director of Fire Service, said the service, before now, received new recruits last about eight years ago.

“I wish to congratulate the recruit firemen that are passing out today.

“I urge you to go out there and fulfil your dream by actually putting into practice all that you have been taught in training.

“This is your life and the best you can give is serving your fatherland,’’ he said.

Miss Olanrewaju Akanbi, the best fireman, said:“I feel good to be the best.

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“ It is all about dedication. The training has taught me teamwork and I promise to give my best to the safety of lives and property.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured physical exercise drill, use of portable first aid fire equipment, demonstration of the house on fire, and award presentations to distinguished firemen.