Firemen tasked on prompt response to emergency situations in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa has reiterated the need for prompt and improved response to emergency situations in the FCT by the Federal and FCT Fire Services, to ensure that lives and properties are saved during emergencies.

Ohaa said Abuja as an emerging top city in the world, requires the best services in terms of protecting lives and properties during emergency situations.

The Permanent Secretary made this call in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Federal and FCT Fire Services, led by the Comptroller General, Federal Fire Service, Dr. Liman Ibrahim.

Stressing that emergencies were inevitably a part of life, Ohaa said firemen should not restrict their services to firefighting alone but also be available during flooding and other such incidences.

He also called for collaboration and partnership between the Federal and FCT Fire Services, saying that synergy between both organisations will enhance the tackling of emergencies in the FCT.

Ohaa while describing Dr Ibrahim Alhaji as an Ambassador of the FCT, considering the fact that the CG began his career as an FCT Fire Service Officer, said his elevation to the post of Comptroller General is a testament to the quality of the FCT Fire Service.

“Abuja is an emerging city and we need to make sure that we give the best to the city in terms of protecting lives and properties.

“As we grow with the construction of sky scrapers, you have to know the new technology in fire-fighting  and emergency management beyond fire because even when there is flooding, we need your services.”

The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that plans were underway to procure modern equipment for the FCT Fire Service with the recent approval received from the Federal Executive Council in this regard.

Earlier, the Comptroller General, Federal Fire Service, Dr Liman Ibrahim Alhaji, who traced his roots to the FCT Fire Service, appreciated the FCT Administration for the enormous support and contributions to both the FCT and the Federal Fire Services.

He also noted that the FCT Fire Service has been able to advance its operations  from what it used to be in 2002 when it had just  nine second hand vehicles which were restricted to just the Area Councils, to its present status which includes 14 fire stations in various  parts of the FCT as well as enhanced personnel.