Sanwo-Olu hands over three new, one upgraded fire stations
…says his administration committed to protection of lives, property
By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has handed over three newly constructed fire service stations and the newly upgraded Fire Service Headquarters, Alausa for effective management of emergencies in the State.
According to him, the effort was borne by the necessity to keep the metropolis of Lagos safe as the economic nerve centre of the Country.
Speaking on Tuesday at Ikeja, the State Capital, on the commissioning and handing over of the three newly constructed fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Oniru, Ajegunle and the newly upgraded Fire Service Headquarters, Alausa to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Agency, Sanwo-Olu described the efforts as fulfillment of his “administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of our citizens.”
“You will recall that, two years ago, a performance assessment study of all First Responders was carried out where gaps responsible for limiting the effectiveness of their response to emergencies were identified.
“Our response to these identified gaps was not only proactive but very strategic as we developed a road map that will address them and reposition the agencies for optimum performance.
“Specifically, one of the challenges identified was the inadequate fire stations for a growing State such as ours.
“As we all know, fire outbreak is an emergency that can only be prepared for, but the time, speed and scale at which it will happen cannot be pre-determined. This is where response time is critical as it can make a lot of difference between life and death.
“Therefore, to enable Fire Responders reduce the distance and overcome other unplanned encumbrances on the way to fire scene, the idea of having at least one fire station in each of the 20 Local Government Areas of the State was conceived.
“To this end, contract for the construction of six new fire stations in different parts of the State were awarded. Three out of these six fire stations that have been completed along with their headquarters are being commissioned and handing over today,” he said.
He disclosed that the remaining three stations at Ijede, Kosofe and Ijegun will be completed and delivered before May 2023.
According to him, “Lagos State as an emerging smart city, with diverse opportunities such as highly mobile and productive population that is still increasing; growing economy with multi billion Naira businesses and investments; enchanting places and many public assets; require protection through deliberate disaster mitigation and emergency management strategies that are realistic and comprehensive.”
He said his government is convinced that the construction of new fire stations will allow quicker response to the scene of emergencies within their specific area of coverage, because proximity or nearness of fire stations to incident locations is very crucial to rescue and safety operations.
“With the new facilities, fire men will get to the theatre of operations at record time,” he said.
“Moreover, the earlier the fire is attacked, the lesser the damage it will have on people and property,” he added.
He mentioned that the newly constructed stations will lead to considerable reduction in losses associated with fire outbreak and eventual discomfort suffered by our people.
“In addition, they are investments in the safety and well-being of residents and those who come into the State to work or do business,” he said.
“As an administration, this reflects the value we place on safety of lives, property and collective preservation and survival in line with the last pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda, which is Security and Governance.
“It is instructive to note that the new fire stations and the newly upgraded headquarters will complement the rehabilitation and upgrading of 13 existing fire stations, which has brought considerable improvement in the structure and working conditions of personnel who are on duty every day.
“Our efforts have enthroned an operational environment that provides the necessary ambience, comfort and support that will ensure optimal performance of our firemen. These interventions will further consolidate the position of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Agency as a leading fire fighting outfit in Nigeria.”
He enjoined all Lagosians, especially those living around the locations of the new and upgraded Fire Stations, to take ownership of them and ensure their protection from attack or damage.
“They are provided with your taxes. They are your properties. Please protect them,” he said.
In his remarks, the Oniru of Iruland, HRM, Oba Gbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II) said the feat is a proof of the administration’s commitment to protect and preserve the lives and property of residents.
According to him the facility will go a long way in the maintenance of emergency services in Iruland which he said has recently become “the commercial nerve centre of Lagos.”
“The risks have become more glaring especially knowing that there are no adequate measures to ensure the safety of lives and property in the unforeseen situation of a fire outbreak; therefore, this goes a long way to show the importance of the provision and maintenance of emergency services,” he said.
He thanked the Governor for approving the construction of the modern fire station in Iru and utilising the land that was “bequeathed to the Lagos State Government by my late predecessor, HRM Oba, (Dr.) Idowu Abiodun Oniru (JP), Akiogun II in 2011.”
“A prepared community can make a huge difference during emergencies and help save lives. We, stakeholders and partners, will continue to play a key role towards keeping our community safe and secure,” he assured.
He appealed to individuals and corporate entities within the entire Eti-Osa LGA to adopt and support the public facility, as well as others to sustain and maintain them, which according to him is essential to ensure longevity and continued service.
