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How Liman leads Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service (FFS)…… Adagher Tersoo

Published

4 years ago

June 11, 2021

How Liman leads Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service (FFS)…… Adagher Tersoo

SaharaWeeklyNG Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service can now boast of prompt response to any fire incident in any part of the nation.

Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service

Since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2019 as Comptroller-General of the Service, Liman Ibrahim has consistently been expanding the scope of operations of the organization, acquiring new state-of-the-art equipment, and improving the welfare of staff of the Service.

He ensures prompt response to a distress call by his men, anywhere in Nigeria and also demonstrates his willingness to protect his officials from attacks. Liman has done this by sanctioning communities that attacked officials of the Service while responding to distress calls.

In January this year, he sanctioned Nyanya community, a suburb of Abuja, after his men were attacked while putting out a fire. Liman vowed that except the community gives assurance that such incident would never recur, the FederalFire Service would never respond to any distress call from the area.

Though N32 billion was lost to fire in 2020 in Nigeria, the Service saved 1,453 lives and property worth N1.351 trillion.

In 2020 alone, the Service under Liman acquired 36 fire-fighting trucks and created more zonal and state commands. It also promoted 1,276 of its officers. Six functional zonal offices created under him were Yola, Sokoto, Minna, Owerri, Asaba, and Oshogbo.

The Service has further expanded its operations by ensuring that its offices exist in each of the 109 senatorial zones in the country.

To further strengthen the existing offices and provide them with the facilities they need for effective services, the Service has ordered 89 new firefighting trucks, which include 15 water tankers, 44 water tenders, 15 rapid intervention vehicles and15 ambulances. Most of the facilities have been acquired and deployed.

The Service, under Liman, commissioned another 20 new basic life support ambulance buses and seven state-of-the-art firefighting trucks recently in its drive to make the organization rank among the world’s best.

The Nigerian government, through the Federal Executive Council, had approved N10.4 billion for infrastructure upgrades for the organization.

As part of his determination to reposition the Service, the CG is interacting with the international community and other experts that will help to improve the operations of the institution.

One of such meetings took place between the management of the Service and the Ambassador of Belarus to Nigeria Mr. Vyacheslav Bril in Abuja.

The Service is acquiring some of its equipment from Belarus, which the ambassador pledged would be adaptable to Nigerian climate and roads.

Mr. Liman is also advocating for redesigning market roads in Nigeria to make them more accessible to his men during emergencies. He believes that with a good road network, places, where fire incidents occur, will be easily accessible to the Fire Service officials and such fires will be easily put out.

The CG believes in consistent enlightenment of Nigerians as ways of preventing fire and preserving the equipment of the Federal Fire Service.

Impressed by the ongoing transformation at the Service, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola had said at the launch of newly-acquired equipment for the Service earlier this month that the Federal Fire Service had made “a phenomenal transformation from a moribund department to a vibrant organization equipped with modern and state of the art firefighting equipment.”

Mr. Liman has also been full of praise to President Muhammadu Buhari who transforms the Service possible.

Liman, who after obtaining the mandatory Basic Fire Fighting Courses holds the following:-

v Advance Fire Certificate of Competency (ADFCC), Kano 2005.

v Nigeria National Disaster Management Courses No 6 Jaji Kaduna 2007.

v National Disaster/Crises Management (Defence Hqrs Abuja) – 2007

v Malaysia Official Fire Protection and Rescue expo & Conference, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (FIREC 2008).

v Nigeria Executive Disaster Management Seminar, Calabar 2009.

v International Disaster Management Course, London 2010.

v Senior Nigerian Fire Officer’s Study Visit to UK Fire Training & Command Centre, London 2011.

v 2nd International Disaster Management Exhibition/Conference (IDME), Istanbul – Turkey.

Dubai (UAE) Study Tour of the Tallest Building in the World Burg-Khalifa, and other High –Rise buildings.

Adagher Tersoo; A journalist and media consultant writes from Abuja.

Related Topics:Featured Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

society

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at the popular Araromi spare parts market, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which began around 2 a.m., continues to rage as firefighters struggle to contain the inferno. The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the seriousness of the situation and called for assistance from water tanker owners.

“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a series of recent tragic fires in Ibadan. On Friday, a fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city. The blaze, which occurred at 3:46 a.m., gutted a storey building.

Earlier in the week, another fire incident on Sunday morning destroyed three shops in the city, though the quick intervention of the state fire services prevented the flames from spreading to 13 neighboring shops.

Last Friday, a fire engulfed a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Lagelu Local Government Area during a vigil, trapping worshippers inside. The tragedy struck around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, leaving the community in shock.

These repeated incidents have raised concerns about fire safety in Ibadan, prompting calls for enhanced preventive measures and quicker emergency responses. Investigations into the cause of the Araromi market fire are underway, while efforts to control the blaze continue.

society

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Published

15 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.