…SEEKS ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONNEL
By Okosun Dennis
After 35 years of meritorious service in the Federal Fire Service, Assistant Controller General of Fire, in charge of Zone F, South West, ACGF Chika Eugene Njoku has retired and has been formally pulled out of service in a colourful ceremony.
The Pulling Out Ceremony was held at the Compos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island, Lagos State on Wednesday, 24th July, 2024.
In attendance was the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, CG Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, who was the Special Guest of Honour.
Also in attendance were the Garrison Commander, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig Gen H. A. Bukar; the Commandant, Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, HH Hadison; representatives from the Correctional Service, BM Adenaya; Nigeria Immigration Service; the first former Controller General of Federal Fire Service, Engr James Okedeoru and wives of Fire Service Officers’ Wives Association (FOWA).
While pouring encomium on the retired ACGF Njoku, and other retired personnel, CG Jaji Abdulganiyu described him as a “committed, articulate officer who put in everything to ensure success was achieved.”
While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for giving the service an enabling environment to carry out their mandate, he noted that they would continue in their stride to engage in a robust enlightenment campaign to sensitize Nigerians on the danger of fire and how to mitigate it.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, CG Abdulganiyu Jaji explained: “We have a matching order to carry out an aggressive enlightenment campaign by ensuring that all the houses, facilities, and industries are aware of the danger of fire outbreak and what to do before the arrival of fire service to combat fire incident.
“If you know what to do, fire outbreak will not occur. In public buildings, people should know where the fire extinguisher is or the fire alarm system. They should be able to know how to use the fire extinguisher because fire starts very small.
“However, because people are not aware of the danger of fire, that is why you see people play with some materials that can cause fire due to carelessness. Matchboxes shouldn’t be left for children to play with or leave frying pan on the flaming gas and go about doing other things.
To mitigate incidences of fire disaster, he admonished Nigerians to always put off their gas cylinders after cooking as any leakage can cause fire due to any spark.
In the area of logistical demands, CG Jaji disclosed that they have Commands and stations spread across the states of the federation just as equipment has been enhanced and manpower increased.
In his valedictory speech, ACGF Chika Njoku harped on carelessness and negligence as major causes of fire. “Majority of fire outbreaks were caused by human error which can be attributed to carelessness.”
While proffering an antidote, he added that incessant fire outbreaks could be reduced if there is adequate preparedness through awareness creation in both public and private places/institutions, adding that the use of first responders to fire incidents by engagement of fire warden, volunteer firefighters should be promoted.
He stressed that the earlier “fires are detected and attended to, the less adverse effects are experienced by those affected.”
ACGF Njoku, while advising his subordinates during a chat urged them to be patient.
“They should be patient, committed to the work and know that anything that has a beginning has an end. They should do their work diligently and do the right thing.
On his most challenging moments in service, he reiterated, “The most challenging moments are in the area of equipment but we use our experience to carry out our work without having injuries.
“We need more equipment, manpower (staff), and fire stations for you to achieve effectiveness. For you to effectively combat fire, you don’t need to be too far from the people because fire doesn’t wait for you to come and combat it; it keeps burning.”
Earlier, there were Goodwill messages from sister agencies and a demonstration by firemen on how fire incidences are combated. There was also a colourful parade Commanded by Superintendent of Fire Eromosele Lucky.
In her vote of thanks, the Assistant Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Zone F, ACGF Achi Ijeoma Okili commended the retired ACGF Njoku and others for their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that their tireless efforts have made our country safer and their legacy will continue to inspire them.
ACG Njoku started his work on 3rd July 1989 as a Sub-Officer in Training and rose across the ranks before his retirement as an Assistant Controller General of Fire, Zone F, South West, with unblemished service to the country.
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