May 5, 2018

The Lagos State Government says it has recruited 250 firefighters in the last three years of Gov Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.

The Acting Director-General, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasaki Musibau made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

Musibau said that the recruitment was done in two batches of 100 and 150 personnel, within the three years.

He said that the first 100 recruits were already working, while 150 personnel were undergoing six months intensive training on fire fighting.

According to him, the 150 recruits are in the fourth month of their training, hence, will pass out in the next two months.

”The effort of Gov Akinwunmi Ambode has been rewarding to the operations of the agency in the past three years with the recruitment of 100 firefighters and additional 150 personnel currently undergoing training.

”The present administration’s commitment to safety and prevention of fire incidents have been exhibited through the acquisition of modern firefighting tools.

”The government has given overwhelming support to the state fire service agency,” he said.

A statement obtained on Saturday noted that the The Lagos State Fire Service held a sensitisation rally to mark the International Firefighters’ Day on May 4.

During the rally, Musibau urged Lagos residents to imbibe safety measures and be responsive to cases of emergency.

He said that in an attempt to enhance prompt response to emergencies, the government constructed four additional fire stations and renovated the existing ones with world-class equipment.

According to him, the four new fire stations are at Ijede in Ikorodu, Olorunda in Badagry, Eredo in Epe and Satelite in Ijegun.

Musbau said that the theme of this year’s celebration, ”Support Fire Fighters: Your Safety Partner”, was conceived based on the necessity to inform every individual on the relevance of firefighting.

He said that the theme was borne out of the need for individuals to be part of the efforts of the state government in making Lagos safe and secure.

NAN reports that the International FireFighters’ Day (IFFD) is a day to thank all firefighters for their extraordinary commitment, exceptional courage and their selflessness.

IFFD was instituted following Jan. 4, 1999 death of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia.