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 numerous challenges such as shortage of personnel, lack of utility vehicles for its operations, lack of insurance cover for personnel among others.
