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Federal Fire Service Saves166 Lives, N15trn Worth Of Property In Q2 Of 2021; Rescues 82 Persons In Distress – Aregbesola

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The Federal Fire Service in the second quarter of 2021 saved about 166 lives, rescued about 82 persons in distress due to fire and other related emergencies while saving property worth over N15.1 trillion. This is also as 27 lives were lost and property estimated at N3.017 trillion destroyed.

This much was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art fire-fighting truck deployed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to compliment firefighting in Taraba State at the Government House Jalingo, the State Capital on Tuesday.

“It is noted that 2020 into 2021 has witnessed frightening fire incidents, ranging from markets to gas and pipelines fires around the country. Statistics at our disposal show that the FFS in the second quarter of 2021 received 638 fire calls from which regrettably, 27 lives were lost and property estimated at N3.017 trillion destroyed.

“The good news however, is that the Service within the quarter under review also saved about 166 lives, rescued about 82 persons in distress due to fire and other related emergencies while saving property worth over N15.1 trillion” Ogbeni Aregbesola noted.

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for his resolve to strengthen the service, Ogbeni Aregbesola stated that the President’s support to all the services in his ministry has been immense.

“I must thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support for the Ministry of Interior and her agencies. It pleases me to state that the delivery of the fire truck to Taraba State as seen today is indeed further testimony of the President’s resolve to reposition the FFS for better service delivery in line with its core mandate, which include humanitarian and emergency services.

“I must say that since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, FFS has experienced a phenomenal transformation from a moribund department to a vibrant organisation equipped with modern and state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and today we are here to deliver one of the firefighting trucks to Federal Fire Service, Taraba State Command, to be manned by well trained, dedicated and committed personnel” the Minister noted.

Ogbeni Aregbesola also revealed that the equipment being commissioned “is part of the N10.4 billion infrastructure upgrade approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on March 3rd, 2021 comprising of 44 firefighting engines, 15 water tankers, 15 rapid intervention fire engines (not conventional ones) that can go into the nooks and crannies to respond to distressed calls and 20 basic life support ambulances”

The Minister, however, charged the State Government to invest in firefighting equipment for its own state fire service as the role of the Federal Fire Service was only complimentary and firefighting services falls under the concurrent legislative list.
“It is important, however, for State Governments to establish a robust fire service to complement what the Federal Fire Service is doing in their respective states. It is only when we have this complementary service that we can be rest assured that fire will not pose much threat to us in the preservation of lives and property.

“We must therefore not restrict fire service requirements or needs to state capitals or urban centres alone. Provisions should be made for Local Governments and rural areas, which have been victims of fire incidents and other emergencies as well. Farms and valuable economic trees have also been destroyed by fires in rural areas.

“I will urge the State Command to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture to optimize and effectively use these assets to improve fire cover, enhance emergency response operations and complement State Fire Services operations while enhancing fire safety across the country” the Minister advised the state governor.

Further in his remarks, the Minister urged the State to take advantage of the Fire Marshal and Warden Scheme of the Service in order to train volunteers for humanitarian services.
“It is on this note that I will encourage your Excellency to take advantage of the novel Fire Marshal and Warden scheme within FFS to train and equip volunteers within the state to join forces with the regular Corps”

Ogbeni Aregbesola reiterated the role of humans in fire fighting. “The people should also position themselves to be in the best place to secure their lives and make it easy for government to help them. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Everyone should be sensitive to and watchful of developments around them, especially matters that should be of security concern” the Minister said.

In his remarks, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Ibrahim Liman, prayed the State Governor to also extend a hand of support to the Federal Fire Service in the state, saying that deployment of the modern Fire Service Truck to the state was meant to assist the firefighting efforts in the state. He noted that the responsibility of firefighting is a joint effort between the Federal, State and Local Governments.

“The fire truck we are commissioning is a huge national asset, requiring optimum maintenance and fuelling. We craved the indulgence of the State Government to facilitate deployment of utility vehicles to support the operation of the vehicle.

“Sir, we want you to sponsor personnel of the State Fire Service for local and foreign training in view of emerging trends in firefighting and inclusion of the Federal Fire Service in the State Security Council” CG Ibrahim Liman stated.

Whilst commissioning the Firefighting Truck, the State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, stated that shortly after taking office as Executive Governor in 2015, he realised the need to overhaul the Fire Service system in the state in order to meet the service primary objectives of protecting lives and property in the event of a fire disaster, as well as rescuing and protecting people involved in traffic accident and emergencies.

“We overhauled the State Fire Service by carrying out regular officer training, ensuring efficiency, discipline, increased morale, and the safety of all firefighters across the State’s Fire Command. We make sure that the Service operational vehicles are adequately maintained and functional for speedy response to crises 24 hours a day, seven days week. Chemical foam, a vital component for fire suppression, is also constantly procured to promote a state-wide operation” the Governor Stated” the governor revealed.

Gov. Ishaku who commended the Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for bringing much desired change to the Federal Fire Service and other Services under the Ministry of Interior, noted that things have indeed changed for good since his coming on board.

“I must not fail to appreciate the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for instituting the much desired changed in the Nigeria security services, especially for agencies under his watch.

“I recall his brilliance and eloquence during the National Executive Council meetings when he was governor in Osun state. President Muhammadu Buhari indeed made the right choice in your selection and the good fruit is there for all to see” the Governor stated.

At the event were: the State Deputy Governor, Engr. Haruna Manu; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Kunini; the State Chief Judge, Justice Philibus Andhetur; members of the State Executive Council; Director, Joint Services Department, Ministry of Interior, Mr. Peter Egbodo; Heads of Security Agencies in the State and traditional and religious leaders in the state.

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The Lawori, Koko Zaria Debacle: Why LASG, Police Should Wade In

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The Social Media enclave has been agog with the alleged harassment, dehumanization and abuse meted on  popular actor, Ade Adele otherwise known as Lawori,  by National Union of Road Transport Worker, NURTW, Member and Leader, Ganiyu Oyedepo known as Koko Zaria.
Lawori had Alleged that Koko Zaria ordered his Boys to manhandle him, smashed a bottle on his head and dehumanize him, but, the reason behind the alleged attack on Lawori is surprising and a mystery which only both parties have answers to.
This has however raised different posers from certain quarters. What could have Transpired between Lawori and Koko Zaria that would have warranted the attack? Why did Koko Zaria’s Boys Smashed a bottle on his head when they knew he was the Master of Ceremony at the event? Was it a planned attack?
These and many more questions  begging for answers.
It is no more news that the Yoruba Genre of Nollywood have a good relationship with the NURTW when Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, former NURTW Boss in Lagos State was in the saddle, in which Koko Zaria too wasn’t left out and he has appeared In some Yoruba movies.
Lawori, an entertainer and also a Nollywood Actor been at the center speaks volumes.
Though, MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria have not been on the same page since the emergence of Adekunle Mustapha, popularly known as Sego, as MC Oluomo felt Betrayed By Koko Zaria who cross carpeted to the Sego clique when MC Oluomo left the saddle.
It would be recalled that a Group in the Yoruba Movie Industry has warned the warring parties (Lawori and Koko Zaria) not to soil the relationship that has existed over the years between the Yoruba Nollywood Industry and the NURTW, urging them to settle their rift and let peace reign.
Some analysts in the Entertainment Industry are of the opinion that it was necessary for the Police and Security Agencies to Wade into the Lawori and Koko Zaria Debacle as their could be a reprisal attack from the Lawori faction, which may escalate.
They are also of the opinion that the NURTW Boss in Lagos, Sego, should have addressed the situation when it went viral by calling Koko Zaria to unravel what really transpired.
Close observers are also of the opinion that the fracas is brewing up due to the fact that MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria are losing relevance before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who have also shielded them and given them succour.
There insinuations from the grapevine, that the perceieved rift between the duo of MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria may be stage managed, just for them to gain the attention of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Some are also of the opinion that the Lagos State Government under governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the commissioner for Culture , Arts and Tourism , Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Seun Osiyemi should also address the situation as it is getting worrisome the activities of the NURTW members, who are known for violence, the actors are now afraid of moving around because of this humiliation and unforeseen attack from this miscreants.

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Al Humphrey Onyanabo Releases book, ‘Precious Little Thoughts To Lift the Day’

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Seasoned Journalist and facilitator of Humanity Awards, Al Humphrey Onyanabo, has released his first book titled, Precious Little Thoughts to Lift The Day on the global bookshop; kdp.amazon.com.
He revealed, that the book is not a religious book neither does it talk about doctrines, but a compendium of divinely inspired inspirational poems that will appeal to human beings who deal with other humans on a daily basis and seek to understand about life and how the relate with the forces and issues that control this plain of existence.
“Who ever we are, what ever is our race or religion or station in life, things happen to us most often that does not make sense. We might try to reason it out, pray, fast, seek counsel or talk it over with a friend, elder or associate and sometimes, the situation persists” He stated.
Sometimes, it’s not for lack of effort but because certain things are beyond our scope of understanding or reasoning.
This life is full of mysteries far beyond our human minds. We live in a world that is billions of years old and sometimes we, young as we are, need more than the wisdom of Solomon to find our way”.
Hear him,”This little two part divinely inspired book will attempt to encourage readers to make sense of certain happenings in and around them. It will not take the place of the Bible or prayer, rather it will help the reader see the hidden hand of a Super power that directs the affairs of men”.
He advices on how to get value from the book,”take time to read it again, if you can read it daily like a devotional. Pick one page a day, read through and ask God to open your mind to understand the words and hidden meanings and how you can apply it.God will reach out to you in a new way as you read this little book and your life will be much better than when you picked it up. 
The veteran journalist stated that because this book is invaluable and not easy to outgrow, he and his publishers are planning a pocket size hardcover edition for the Nigerian market,” This will be easy for you to slip into your purse or bag and read quietly in the bus on at work or just anywhere”.
He says he is  also available to respond to any queries concerning aspects of this book. His email is Precious Little Thoughts.gmail.com

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‘’We Distributed Operational Vehicles To Promote Efficiency and a Safer Lagos’’- LNSA G.M Prince Ifalade Oyekan

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The General Manager of Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency LNSA; Prince Dr Ifalade Ajasa Oyekan on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu recently deployed operational pickup Vehicles to various Local Government offices of the agency to enhance efficiency and also provide more ease of movement for officers in discharging their duties in gathering intelligence to help relevant security agencies across the state in other to bring sanity and also curb crime to the barest minimum. 
While presenting keys of the operational vehicles to the Commanding Officers C.O’s from various Local Government operating areas, at the Agency’s head office in Bolade, Oshodi on the 16th of June 2023, Ifalade disclosed that; the Vehicles are provided to ensure the agency and its officers are on top form while discharging their duties. He also disclosed that it will help them at an advantage when they are to respond to distress calls within their community. He disclosed that the new vehicles serve as support from the Government in its quest to combat crimes by providing intelligence reports and also growing community policing within Lagos state. ‘Today, I had the pleasure of presenting new operational vehicles, identification badges, vests, raincoats, and rain boots to officers of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency to boost operations for effective community policing in the state.’
These items were purchased with the support of the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. It’s a result of the continued efforts and investment of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in actualizing the security pillar of his administration’s THEMES agenda. It is also part of the agency’s rebranding initiatives as directed by the governor, aimed at equipping officers with the relevant tools to perform their duties optimally.’
While giving his remarks to the officers and representatives present at the handover, Oyekan however noted that; the distribution is coming barely three weeks into Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term which shows the high premium he places on security and his dedication to promoting initiatives that move the agency forward to achieve its full potential. 
In addition to presenting the items, he also presented letters of appointment to the newly appointed Divisional Commanders, Corps Officers (COs) Deputy COs, and 16 Zonal Coordinators. 

‘I congratulate all the new appointees whose hard work paved the way for this feat. It is expected that they perform their duties with professionalism and shun activities that will bring the organisation into disrepute.’
He also charged them to be good ambassadors of the agency and also implore them to collaborate with their community by creating a cordial relationship which will help them in gathering information. He also averred that; the most active way to reduce crime to the barest minimum is when you speak up when you see anything strange. 
‘I have told all the officers to ensure they engage their community heads, opinion leaders and Community Development Council CDC members. This will help us mark black spots across Lagos so we can quickly take action before it goes out of hand.  We also call on residents of the community to work in hand with them that’s why it is called Neighborhood, it’s a collective effort and partnership to create a safer Lagos for all to thrive.’ He disclosed.

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