The Federal Government has announced plans to decentralize emergency responses, especially in the area of mitigating fire disasters.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Thursday when he inspected facilities at the headquarters of the Federal Fire Service, FFS in Abuja.
Dr Tunji-Ojo who was impressed by some of the state-of-the-art facilities, also hailed firefighters for the various sacrifices they have made in the cause of duty, noting that many have lost lives and limbs.
Noting that firefighting is not optional but mandatory, the minister charged officers and men of the Service to brace up to the challenges of the modern era.
He said; “We will do everything humanly possible to decentralize the emergency response system. I am happy seeing the mobile trucks. If we have more in our economic zones, our markets as first responders, it will be good. It will be very disastrous if there is fire in the markets and there is no immediate response.
“The Federal Fire Service is a very important agency of government. No matter what you build, you need to pray that you do not have problems with fire. We cannot do without you firefighters. You are indispensable. Your service is not optional. It is mandatory and it is in the service of the nation.
“We appreciate your sacrifices and they will never go unnoticed. We are grateful for what you are doing. We are indebted for your service and we can only continue to leave in the debt of gratitude. We thank you for the lives and property that you have saved and for your contributions to national development and the economy.
“Because we appreciate what you are doing, we appreciate how significant and how integral your work is, we will partner with you. We will support you and make sure by the grace of God and the support of Mr President, you will occupy your pride of place”.
Dr Tunji-Ojo who noted that President Bola Tinubu is alive to its responsibilities, also assured contractors handling various projects for the Service of prompt payment of their contractual first.
He said; “The responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property. This government is alive to its responsibility and we will provide you with firefighting appliances to do your job.
