Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the remodeled Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters at Isaac Boro Park Flyover, Port Harcourt.
The upgraded facility, equipped with modern firefighting tools, aims to improve emergency response and reduce fire disasters.
Governor Fubara highlighted past fire incidents, including the Mile One and Fruit Garden Market fires, where inadequate response led to severe losses.
“We lost the Mile One Market because we couldn’t respond adequately. We lost, even what we call, the Fruit Garden Market because we could not respond. Are we talking about houses, lives that have been lost in this State because of inadequate fire service?” he stated.
Read Also: Tinubu inducts RMAFC, FCC commissioners, Perm Secs
He commended the swift response of the state’s fire service in a recent tanker fire at Woji-Elelenwo Road, emphasizing its newfound independence from multinational fire services.
“Some days ago, a tanker fell along the Woji-Elelenwo Road. If it were before, lives would have been lost. But immediately, the fire service, not the multi-nationals, it was the Rivers State Fire Service that responded and arrested the situation. What else are we talking about?” he noted.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, noted this was the first major upgrade since the 1960s, with features like a gym, sickbay, offices, and new fire trucks.
“Before now, we did not have any truck, and when incidents happen, we have to call the Federal Fire Service or call Agip or Shell Fire Service. But thank God that His Excellency, in his wisdom, has given us state-of-the-art facility, and we don’t need to call any other person again,” Anya stated.
Mr. Clifford Paul, Head of Local Government Administration, described the upgrade as a milestone in the state’s fire safety efforts.
Also, Governor Fubara urged personnel to maintain the facility, promising continued investment in public safety.
