Minister of Interior calls for visionary leadership, urges swift reform of FFS Act to meet modern rescue and prevention demands.
The newly appointed Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), CG Olumode Samuel Adeyemi was today decorated with the insignia of his new rank by the Honourable Minister of Interior and Chairman, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), His Excellency, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Hall of the CDCFIB, Abuja.
In his charge during the ceremony, the Honourable Minister commended the immediate past Controller General, Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu, MIFireE, MNSE, for his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the Service. He urged the new Controller General to envision where the Service is today and where he aspires to take it in the future, stating:
“Write your own script. Life has given you this opportunity to be Controller General — strive to ensure that at the end of your tenure, you can confidently tell yourself that you have done well. Leadership is about doing what is right, not waiting for the 100% support of your men.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further appealed for the quick repeal of the Federal Fire Service Act to meet modern demands, noting that rescue and prevention have taken new dimensions in today’s rapidly evolving age. He encouraged the new Controller General to take his place of pride, be courageous, avoid chasing popularity, and always remember his roots.
The Minister expressed his special interest in the Service, stating that the FFS plays a critical role in saving lives and protecting property.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene N. Ajani, urged the new Controller General to remain true to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Nigerians, and to himself. She encouraged him to work strictly in line with the extant laws of the country and to put national interest first, assuring him of the Ministry’s unwavering support as well as that of his colleagues.
Responding in his vote of thanks, the newly decorated Controller General, Olumode Samuel, expressed profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Interior, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, and the Secretary of the CDCFIB for their trust and support. He pledged not to disappoint the President, vowing to change the narrative of the Service and position it for greater efficiency and impact.
The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including the Board Secretary of CDCFIB,Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, who read the citation of the newly appointed Controller General prior to his decoration with the new rank; members of the Senate and House of Representatives, royal fathers, past Controllers General of the Federal Fire Service, notably, Engr JG Anebi and Dr. Liman Ibrahim, the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service; representatives of the heads of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and FCT Fire Service and other distinguished guests from across the country.
The ceremony concluded with a colourful reception at the Federal Fire Service Headquarters, where guests and officers celebrated the historic occasion in an atmosphere of pride and camaraderie.
