ABUJA: Controller General of the Federal Fire Service FFS, Engr. Adeyemi Samuel Olumode has praised the nation’s firefighters for their constant sacrifices, recalling how a firefighter in Plateau state dived into a diesel tank top rescue a man.
Noting that the firefighter eventually landed in a hospital to receive emergency care, Adeyemi said the firefighter risked his own life to save another.
The CGF spoke on Tuesday in Abuja when he commisioned two standard quarter guards built by the voluntary personal contributions of some staff at the Service’s headquarters and the Wuse zonal fire station.
Noting that his personnel are well motivated, Olumode declared that the era of inadequate water or diesel was over.
He reflected on his decision a year ago to turn down a lavish, grand reception organized in his honor by friends at home and in the diaspora. Instead, he redirected those funds towards purchasing mattresses and essential supplies to improve the daily living conditions of firefighters nationwide.
“Little did I know that these packages were a door to the hearts and souls of my workforce, which has translated into one of the most motivated workforces in Nigeria and my bragging right,” the Controller General said, emphasizing that the Quarter Guard symbolizes unity, discipline, and mutual trust between leadership and personnel.
To institutionalize recognition for voluntary initiatives, the Controller General directed the Chairman of the Controller-General’s Awards Committee, Deputy Controller General M.A. Tambari, to document this achievement alongside other officer-led innovations across national formations for official honors.
“You have all made sacrifices. In Plateau state, I got a report of a firefighter who went into a diesel tank to save another man. Even though the firefighter later ended in the hospital, but he was able to save another life.
“I am happy that we are well motivated. There is nothing like no water or no diesel. It doesn’t exist anymorw”, he stated.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Head of the Inspection, Investigation and Enforcement IIE, ACG Bolarinde Tajudeen Muhammed revealed that the gesture was borne out of deep gratitude for the human-centered leadership of the Controller General.
He noted that upon assuming office, the Controller General established an enabling, highly supportive operational environment across all departments.
On his part, Superintendent of Fire and Head of Enforcement at the Federal Fire Service, Murtala Muhammed, highlighted transformative welfare interventions that directly touched the lives of rank-and-file officers, including a comprehensive Medical Intervention Scheme to assist sick personnel, dedicated financial packages and free ambulance transportation to support bereaved families across Nigeria, and expanded interest-free loans.
“Part of what motivated us to do this is that upon assuming office, he gave us free medical intervention. If an officer falls sick, there is an intervention given to you to access medical treatment. Even if someone passes away, there is a package and free ambulance transport to convey the person to wherever it is in the country”, he said.
