The government of Ekiti State has reiterated its commitment to
exploring every necessary avenue to ensure that the State Fire Service
Department is well positioned for the actualization of the development
plan of Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s led administration as spelt out in its
five point agenda.
This was contained in a statement credited to the State Commissioner
for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Engr. Bamidele Faparusi
during an inspection tour of facilities and equipment of the Fire
Brigade Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.
Faparusi who expressed displeasure at the state of the department,
with virtually all the equipment and vehicles grounded, maintained
that the present administration would leave no stone unturned in its
resolve to revamp and overhaul the department in terms of equipment
and personnel to guarantee its efficiency and effectiveness.
The Commissioner noted that the Fire Service Department was a critical
outfit saddled with the responsibility of sensitization on fire safety
tips and ensure the protection of lives and properties particularly
during fire outbreaks and emergency and gave the assurance that the
present administration would provide the necessary equipment and a
conducive working environment that will take the outfit beyond its
present status for optimum service delivery.
In his contribution, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr.
Olumide Ajayi charged the rank and file of the department to be alive
to their responsibility saying all hands must be on deck as far
safeguarding of lives and properties was concerned.
Responding, the Director of the Fire Service Department, Mr. Omoniyi
Samuel lauded the efforts of the present administration at ensuring
that the department lived above board in its operations as evident in
the recent approval for the repair and servicing of two fire engines.
He however solicited for improved government attention towards the
department which was he said was battling with numerous challenges
such as shortage of personnel, lack of utility vehicles for its
operations, lack of insurance cover for personnel among others.