By Blessing Olaifa, Abuja
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) on Monday commemorated the International Fire Fighters Day (IFFD) with its flags flown at half mast, while road walks and other forms of displays were cancelled in line with social distancing order to avoid the spread of Coronavirus.
The Controller General of the FFS, Dr. Liman Alhaji Ibrahim, however, felicitated with firefighters in Nigeria and other parts of the world on the occassion, saying firefighters need consistent training to remain atop of their jobs and stay alife.
Dr Ibrahim praised the fallen heroes, firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, asserting that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
While the Fire Service boss prayed that God will continue to grant them eternal rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss, he noted that they might be no more but their memories would remain in the hearts of the people.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the FFS, Deputy Suprintendent, Ugo Huan, the International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4th to commemorate the tragic death of five fire fighters who lost their lives in a bush fire in Australia.
“This unfortunate incident was what inspired JJ Edmondson to bring about an international holiday, called International Firefighters’ Day, to support the lives lost and dedicated fire fighters who risk their lives every day to save life and property”, Huan said.
The Controller General used the occasion of the IFFD to appreciate all Nigerian firefighters at all levels, serving and retired for all their sacrifices in ensuring the safety of lives and property, the PRO added.
said Huan: “The Controller General said all stake holders in Fire Service must understand that the safest way to keep fire fighters alive and returning home to their families is training.
Regular professional trainings and making available firefighting equipments. These significantly reduce the danger and risk firefighters are exposed to.
“The CG called on both public and private Fire Services to take advantage of the Federal Fire Service Training Schools established in all the geopolitical zones of the country to provide training for their Firefighters.
“He promised that the Federal Fire Service as a fire service regulator in Nigeria will continue to do more especially in the area of the safety of firefighters.
“The Controller General, also called on Nigerians to always show appreciation to firefighters, knowing the risks they take for the safety of all. And must refuse the temptation to attack firefighters at fire scenes for whatsoever reasons, understanding the peculiar condition under which firefighters work.
“The CG also said that, due to the current Covid -19 Pandemic and the social distancing order in place to stay safe, the International Fire Fighters’ day will not be celebrated with the usual Press conference, displays and road walks but marked in line with our present reality.
“The flag will be flown at half mast. Sirens will be sounded at 12.00 hrs for one minute and followed by a minute silence in memory and honour of firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty “.
