Ogun State Government has recruited 150 personnel into the State Fire Service, to enhance its operations and promptly respond to fire disaster incidents in the State.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi made this known while addressing journalists in his office in Abeokuta.

He revealed that 105 of the personnel were recruited as Junior Officers, while 45 were employed as Senior Officers to complement the existing workforce, as well as boost fire service operations.

Akinlesi said the Ministry was transparent in the process of selecting the officers, noting that beneficiaries applied for the job through the jobs portal before they were invited for written examination, and later shortlisted for physical screening and final oral interview for eventual recruitment.

He added that there would be training for the newly recruited personnel for some months before deploying them to the fire stations across the State, including the newly built stations in Isheri, Mowe, Ifo and Agbara.

"We had a technical meeting on the need to mentor the newly recruited personnel, there is a need for mentorship by experienced fire fighters to prepare them for the job", he stated.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the move would reduce the rate of unemployment in the State, impact on the economy and lives of the people.

He lauded the efforts of the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for provision of new fire trunks, required chemicals and equipment for timely response to fire incidents.

Contributing, the Director, Fire Service in the Ministry, Engr. Fatai Adefala said the recruitment exercise would enable the department to deliver on its mandate for improved productivity.

Adefala appreciated the present administration for repositioning the State Fire Service through massive recruitment of relevant officers.

Two of the newly recruited officers, Messer Oluwasegun Adekoya and Emmanuel Idowu, commended the State government for making the recruitment process transparent.