By: Omolara Osindele

Men and officers of the Fire and Safety Services in Ogun State have been called upon to continue to be ethical in all their doings and be fully prepared for emergencies at all times.

The Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, made the call when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi led some members of the Fire and Safety Services Department of the Ministry, on a courtesy visit to the Office of the HoS as part of activities marking the 2022 International Firefighters' Day.

While congratulating the officers on the commemoration of the year 2022 International Firefighters' Day, the HoS charged them to always live above board by maintaining the ethics of the profession, be prepared at all times for emergencies as this is the core characteristic of their calling, while training and re-retraining must be done regularly to put them on top of their games.

The Head of Service also charged them to intensify efforts at educating the various publics on how to handle emergencies before the professionals are called in, as this will help in saving untoward situations.

"Be ethical in all your doings and be fully ready anytime you're called upon, as this is not an everyday call. Live above board and always keep to the ethics of your profession" Dr. Aigoro admonished.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Akinlesi said the purpose of the visit was to raise awareness for the celebration of this year's International Firefighters' Day which is slated for every May 4, to celebrate the risks encountered by the officers during the discharge  of their duties and especially those who have died during active service.

Dr. Akinlesi, while appreciating the government for giving the firefighters the enabling environment to function by constructing new fire office, recruitment of new officers, prompt repairs of vehicles destroyed by miscreants while on duties among other things requested for more welfare packages to continue to boost the morale of the officers for more efficiency and productivity.

The Permanent Secretary also revealed that the campaign team of the department would soon move into government MDAs to enlighten them on how to prevent fire or handle its outbreak, while toll free 112 must be called in case of an emergency.

Highlight of the visit was the decoration of the HoS, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro and the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Dahunsi Ogunleye with the firefighters' emblems.