Coordinator Office Of The First Lady advocates for enhance fire safety, prevention measures

Coordinator Office Of The First Lady advocates for enhance fire safety, prevention measures.

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has emphasized the need for increased efforts at eliminating incidences of fire outbreak in Edo State.

Mrs. Anani made the advocacy while playing host to delegates from the Federal Fire Service, at the Government House in Benin City. She highlighted the importance of collaboration to enhance fire safety and prevention measures.

In her address, Mrs. Anani appreciated the delegates for their dedication towards reducing fire incidents in the State, emphasizing the devastating impact of fire outbreaks over time and the importance of adopting a more proactive approach.

According to her, “Fire service is a parastatal that is close to my heart. I’ve heard of people losing their lives in fire incidents. I have seen businesses worth billions of Naira go down in minutes due to fires, so it is very important as a safety-cautious person, when I visit a place, I ask about their fire safety measures. Your campaign and efforts, although often underappreciated, are very commendable.”

Mrs. Anani expressed concern over the neglect that contributes to fire outbreaks in markets and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the private businesses owners to protect market wares effectively.

She said, ” every market should have a fire station. It doesn’t have to be solely the government’s responsibility, as a business owner, you should contribute a certain part by purchasing a fire extinguisher. I believe sensitization is also crucial, as most fires can be prevented.”

The Leader of the Team and State Comptroller of the Federal Fire Service, CSF Jeremiah Bidemi Ayoola, appreciated Mrs. Anani’s for her reception and commended her for promoting the courses of women and the girl-child in the State.

According to her, “I would like to commend your efforts and dedication to the girl-child and the women empowerment programme you have put in place since assuming office as First Lady of Edo State.

CSP Obasi Ikenna highlighted their planned programmes for the year 2025, to include Community Fire Safety Awareness; empowerment through fire safety training; emergency support for fire victims; and sought collaboration from the Office of the First Lady.

In his words, “We are here because we believe that this Office has an interest in what we do, which is fire prevention and emergency preparedness. And we have some programmes for which we are looking for partnerships. And some of the incidents which we have, most of the victims are always women and children.