Speeches

Passing Out Parade And Fire Fighting Display Of Squad 18 Regular Firemen Of Lagos State Fire And Safety Services

Nov 18, 2008 - The capacity to contain fire outbreaks promptly and effectively is vital to the preservation of lives and property in a modern Mega City. This is why upgrading and re-equipping the Lagos State Fire Service for optimal performance is a central component of our comprehensive emergency rescue and management plan for the State. Today’s Passing out Parade and Fire display of Squad 18 Regular Firemen and Officers of the State Fire Service, is a further confirmation of our commitment in this regard.

In December, 2007, the Lagos State administration undertook a critical re-appraisal of the State Fire Service. It was after this that we granted approval for the recruitment of 250 additional firemen to enhance the capacity of the service to respond effectively to fire and related emergencies in the State. These new recruits comprise University and HND Graduates in various disciplines such as Sociology, Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning as well as OND and Senior Secondary School Certificate Holders.

These newly recruited firemen and officers have undergone the mandatory professional training at the State Fire Service Training School, Ikeja, to enable them acquire the necessary skills to become professional firemen and officers. I congratulate all those passing out today for successfully completing this training and being found fit to be inducted into the mainstream of the State Fire Service.

The fire fighting profession is a noble one. It is one in which you are required to sacrifice even your lives for the safety of your fellow human beings. The safety of endangered men and women in times of fire and related emergencies will depend on your courage, determination and resilience. This is why we have spared no effort in ensuring that you underwent the best of professional training to enable you discharge your enormous responsibilities.

On our part, we will continue to properly equip and motivate the officers and men of the fire service for quality service delivery to the people of Lagos State. It is note worthy, in this regard, that with the provision of State-of-the-art modern fire fighting and articulated equipment now at its disposal, the State Fire Service is combat-ready to serve the public better.

Also, the problem of shortage of water for fire fighting has been decisively addressed with the Lagos State Fire Service taking delivery and putting into use, 8 new water tankers with a capacity of 10,000 litres each. By the end of the 1st quarter of 2009, two brand new Bronto Aerial Ladder Platform Fire Fighting Trucks will be added to the fleet of the Lagos State Fire Service. These two fire trucks are capable of fighting fire on high-rise buildings.

Apart from this, we have continued to improve on our capacity to respond to emergencies generally in the State. For instance, we have strengthened our ambulance fleet with ten new Mobile Intensive Care Units while also procuring a mobile field hospital for use during major disasters. Over 500 personnel from LASAMBUS, LASTMA, and LASUTH have also received specialized training in different aspects of emergency response and care.

I commend all the officers and men of the fire service for the marked improvement in your response to distress calls. Please do not rest on your oars. I urge you to make the Lagos State Fire Service a reference point and a model not just in Nigeria but also in West Africa.

In the same vein, I call on all Lagosians to have confidence in the fire service; continue to support the organisation and cooperate with the men during fire emergencies to enable the fire men do their work effectively.

Once again, I congratulate the firemen who are passing out today. As you formally assume duties in the 8 Fire Stations as well as the 3 new mini fire stations strategically located all over Lagos State, to which you will be deployed, I pray that God Almighty will protect and preserve you to serve Lagos State to the best of your ability.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Eko o ni baje o.

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Executive Governor,
Lagos State