How FFS Saved 587 lives from Fire Incidents in 2021- Aregbesola
The Federal Fire Service resurrected under President Buhari’s regime , this is a fact that is clearly evident and highly commendable. From 2015 till date, the totality of the FFS expenditure has grown 50% compared to it’s expenditure since inception in 1906 . This has hugely enhanced Capacity in handling fire surges all across North and South Sahara Africa, as no Country in Africa has such capacity ’.
‘It is emotional and emotive to say goodbye but that is life, Congratulations on your Pulling Out ‘. These were the words of the Minister, Ogbeni Aregbesola . He commended the Firewomen who were present at the ceremony.
The Minister added that the former CG, Dr Liman Alhaji is courteous, firm and has a complete demeanor of a perfect gentleman. He advised States and Local governments to improvise using tricycles to serve as fire trucks.
‘In March 2021 I commissioned hydraulic machines to manage fire, 555 fire pumps , 587 lives saved in 2021, 18.9 Trillion properties saved in 2021’. He advised victims of fire outbreaks to take action instead of lamenting through calling emergency numbers, as the response time is 7 minutes (which Dr Liman made possible while in office).
He advised the Acting CG, to have committees that can strategically coin out measures of managing fire outbreaks and bringing forth solutions. That the highest cause of fire incidents is ‘Electrical faults and most outbreaks are man-made, self-induced and negligence.And that natural fires such as in Arizona (USA) and Australia are not prevalent in our clime but dry season makes items easily combustible, therefore the FFS should be armed ready to tackle larger fire outbreaks.
Sensitization using the mass media to educate market women and students (let everyone know they have responsibilities); laws against bush-burning should be reviewed and enforced. He strongly suggested that ‘Arial bombing with suppressants on large fire disasters (like that of Next Cash and Carry fire incidence ) must be the next plan of action as the FFS has an Air-wing so FFS needs to demonstrate such capacities by collaboration with Nigerian Air force.
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In his citation, the retiring CG, started his career as a Fire Cadre Officer in 1986, took over from the past CG FFS Engr. Anebi, before he was confirmed for his appointment as the substantive CG FFS in 2019.
In his address, Dr Liman appreciated God for his successful tenure of 2 years and 9 months, he noted that Gov. El-Rufai of Kaduna; Gov.Abubakar of Niger and Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi States, also former Ministers, Gen. Dambazzau and Mr Abbah Moro both of Interior and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the current Minister of Interior, have been helpful in his administration. He added that the budget of 2016 helped a lot as he was able to do a lot more, although the major challenge is still training and retraining of fire officers to meet modern technical trends.Also to Dr Liman’s credit, 6 zonal structure were increased to 13; Deployment of modern state of the art firefighting trucks to all states; Increase of 23 to 67 numbers of fire trucks; Purchase of additional 20 ambulances and 15 water tankers of dual purpose and Promotion of Senior officers to ACGs (16 in number) and DCG (5 in number) for the first time in the history of FFS among other achievements.
He appreciated the Perm.Sec Dr Shuaib Belgore, CGs of NSCDC, NCOS, and NIS, also the representative of the Gov. of Niger State; the SSG, first CG FFS Mr Okebiorun , former Perm. Sec Barr. Georgina Ehuriah-Arisa and Mr Shinkaffi of Finance.
Concluding, Aregbesola said that among all the Services l have been privileged to work with, Dr Liman stands out and the FFS remains eternally grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari, for his effort in creating a good environment needed to achieve their Mandate.
Earlier, the acting Controller General FFS Karebo Pere Samson said he will ensure that a major public enlightenment structure is in place to educate, inform and enlighten the Nigerian society in their different and diverse category. Already public enlightenment activities have kick started around Schools with the Acting CG.FFS leading the team, this was very impactful on the students who for some are experiencing the demonstration of fire incident and the know how to put it out was shown for the first time. He opined that the Federal Fire Service is in GOOD HANDS.
Blessing Lere- Adams.
Director (Press)
Feb 11, 2022.
