International Firefighters Day: Sanwo-Olu pledges more support for servicemen

THE Sanwo-Olu government has promised more support to the State Fire & Rescue Service in terms of equipment, capacity building, allowances and other resources to further boost their morale for enhanced service delivery as the agency joined the rest of the world to celebrate International firefighters Day.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji made the disclosure while receiving firefighters led by the director, who visited him on International Firefighters Day. He acknowledged the efficiency of the agency, saying it has set a pace that others follow.

Gaji, while concluding his address to the gallant officers on the occasion of the day, stated that the labour of the fallen firemen would not be in vain.

In her contribution, the Director, State Fire & Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye said: “the agency will remain committed to responding promptly to distress calls at all times and further promote a safety culture with values of collective responsibility against the one-man show syndrome of the past.”

She said: “International Firefighters Day is observed on May 4. It was instituted after a proposal was emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the death of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bush fire in Australia.

“So to honour past heroes locally and internationally, the day (IFFD) is observed every year on 4th May for firefighters around the globe. Firefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property”.

According to her, in the last two years, the service has restrategised and adopted a holistic approach to fire safety campaigns by reaching out and engaging the public to adopt positive attitudinal behavior, create community networks, increase youth involvement and expand their knowledge on potential threats.

While urging residents to report fire incidents promptly, Adeseye said such practice will yield prompt response from the agency and prevent destruction of lives and property during fire incidents.

“To meet the demands of our growing population as well as enhance accessibility and proximity of the grassroots to fire safety facilities, four additional fire stations are being established and are strategically located across the state to serve the needs of residents,” she added.

The fire service boss declared that the state presently has 16 functional fire stations equipped with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment. The facilities are manned by officials trained to manage fire incidents and other crisis associated with a megacity like Lagos.

Adeseye pledged that her team will continue to fulfill its mandate and reciprocate the

governor’s support, which has yielded positive results for the agency.

Meanwhile, the International firefighters Day was observed in all the fire stations across the state while the firefighters used the occasion of the celebration to sensitize the public through flyers and interpersonal communication.