The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday presented a new fire truck to operatives of the State Fire Service to strengthen their operations and public safety in the state.
He commended operatives of the Fire Service for their commitment and quick response to emergencies that could have caused loss of lives and properties.
“They have been doing a yeoman’s job protecting lives and properties. With rapid interventions over the years, we have seen that a lot of lives have been saved and properties that could have been consumed by fire were saved,” the Governor told reporters shortly after presenting the key of the truck to the Director of the Service, Falade John Muyiwa.
“We will continue to deepen our efforts in making sure that the fire service is well equipped and properly trained as well.”
AbdulRazaq said the administration has also secured three fire trucks through the federal government, thanking the central government for their intervention.
“Each of the fire trucks goes to the three senatorial districts. There is one in Offa, one in Patigi, and one in Ilorin. So, we thank the federal government for that intervention. And what we just did is our own contribution to safety and security. This is apart from the previous interventions,” he said.
Falade, for his part, said Governor AbdulRazaq’s support for the Service is constant and commendable, adding it will go a long way to curtail fire disasters across the state.
“On behalf of myself and the entire fire service, I want to appreciate His Excellency. Since he came on board, he has been stretching the hand of support towards us,” he said.
“The Governor also procured operational vehicles for us and renovated our office at Unity Road. About three months ago, he also replaced our overhead tank, which was constructed over 16 years ago. He mended our fence that had collapsed. He has not for once left us without addressing our plights.”
Falade said the Service has been regularly carrying out public enlightenment programmes on fire safety, and enjoined citizens to be safety conscious at all times.