The Lagos State Government has promised more support to the State Fire & Rescue Service in terms of equipment, capacity building, allowances and other resources to boost the morale of firefighters for enhanced service delivery.
Speaking to a delegation that visited his office during the International Firefighters day, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, commended the firefighters for effective protection of lives and property during unforeseen incidents, noting that the Agency has become a pacesetter among other first responders in the country.
Responding, the Director, Lagos State Fire & Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the Agency will remain committed to responding promptly to distress calls at all times and promote a safety culture among all residents to achieve its set goals and objectives in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration.
According to her, in the last two years, the Service has strategised and adopted a holistic approach to fire safety campaigns by reaching out and engaging the public to adopt positive attitudinal behaviour, creating community networks, increasing youth involvement and expanding 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 said that the State presently has 16 functional fire stations equipped with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, adding that the facilities are manned 24 hours daily by officials adequately trained to respond to fire incident calls and other crises associated with a megacity like Lagos.
The Director pledged that her team will continue to fulfil its mandate and reciprocate Mr. Governor’s immense support in the provision of firefighting equipment, which has yielded positive results for the Agency.
According to her, “The International Firefighters Day, observed on May 4 of every year, was instituted to honour past heroes around the globe because of firefighters’ dedication to the protection of lives and property”.
