Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday inaugurated newly bought fire service trucks for the state fire service and promised to soon unveil the state’s disaster management strategy.
The last time the state government bought fire trucks was during the Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration while former Governor Rauf Aregbesola was on record to have repaired the trucks.
Speaking , Governor Adeleke said that the two new trucks marked the first phase of the fire service sector reform, promising that more trucks are on the way.
He said: “Today, I kick started phase one of our administration’s reform of the fire service sector. This is the start of an expanded reform which will include the provision of firefighting trucks, equipment accessories, training of personnel and implementation of national standards for disaster prevention.
“When we took office, the fire service was down. The service lacks appropriate firefighting equipment. The sector was largely neglected. Our team decided to focus attention on re-equipping the service because of its importance to the state economy.
“Disaster management is a key element of every economy. Unfortunately, this is a sector mostly overlooked. Failure to manage disaster issues can wreck homes, individuals, businesses and even a state. We must all join hands to ensure preventive practices.
“Our government is working on a disaster preparedness management strategy. The Secretary to the State Government is to work on an inter-ministerial committee to fast track the process.”
Welcoming the governor, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Rasheed Aderibigbe, told the gathering that the last 12 years has been the worst in the life of the state fire service.
Aderibigbe recalled that disaster management accorded very low attention under the previous APC’s administrations, and commended Governor Adeleke for his holistic approach to governance especially the renewed attention to the fire service sector.
He said: “We thank His Excellency for reviving the fire service. These trucks and more that are still coming will go a long way to strengthen the capacity of the service to curtail incidents of fire outbreak.”
The event was attended by the Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, members of the State Executive Council, special advisers and other government functionaries.
