Nation
FCT Fire Service Takes Measures Against Fire Outbreaks
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service, says it has taken proactive measures to avert and respond to incidences of fire outbreaks in the territory during the harmattan.
Spokesman of the fire service, Malam Ibrahim Tauheed, gave the assurance in an interview with The Tide’s source on Wednesday in Abuja.
“The service is quite aware of the heightened fire risks that accompany the season, hence, the need to safeguard our communities and by extension the territory as a whole.
“We have conducted a thorough assessment of fire-prone areas within the FCT. This was facilitated by the combined fire prevention and protection units, as well as the Public Relations and Enlightenment unit.
“The knowledge gained in the process has allowed us to strategically strengthen and position our resources and personnel to be readily available in critical zones.
“We’ve intensified public awareness campaigns in all the Area Councils, which include: Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and AMAC, educating residents about fire safety and precautionary measures”, he stated.
Tauheed explained that one of the goals of the service was to empower communities to be proactive on fire prevention.
He also said they have been drawing the attention of home owners to ensure that their properties met safety standards, including fire-resistant construction and regular maintenance of fire extinguishers.
“Presently, some of our firefighters are undergoing rigorous training at National Fire Academy, Sheda, in Kwali Area Council to enhance their capacity to combat various types of fires in the coming season and beyond”, Tauheed said.
He expressed optimism that FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, would replace the service’s fire fighting trucks as the current ones had almost exceeded their life span.
“In most cases, post-fire fighting operations always result in repairs, resulting to exorbitant maintenance costs.
“However, investing in cutting-edge equipment and technology, such as advanced fire trucks and communication gadgets to bolster our response capabilities will in no small measure improve effective and efficient service delivery to FCT residents”, he said.
The spokesman added that collaboration with other emergency services and local authorities was the cornerstone of the service strategy towards mitigating emergencies.
“We’ve established clear protocols for coordinated responses to fire emergencies and had reached out to NEMA, FEMA, FRSC, NSCDC, VIO and Red Cross to ensure rapid and effective response, minimizing damages and potential loss of lives.
“As you all know, dry season presents unique challenges, and we’re closely monitoring weather conditions.
“When conditions becomes unfavourable, we’re prepared to implement fire bans and restrictions to reduce the risk of accidental fires”, the official said.
Tauheed assured that the service, under the leadership of Mr Zachaeus Adebayo, was committed to the safety and well-being of FCT residents at all times.
The Rivers state Government has identified six local government areas with the highest burden of maternal and Neonatal mortality in the state.
State Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh said this in an interview with newsmen at the Maternal and Neonatal Reduction innovation initiative ( Mamii)Rivers state activation workshop and state engagement meeting in Port Harcourt.
The event was organized by The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with its Rivers state counterpart in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh also restated the preparedness of the state government to support current efforts by the federal government towards the reduction of maternal and infant mortalities in the country.
She mentioned the affected Local Government Areas to include, Andoni,Akuku Toru and Ahoada West
The rest according to the Commissioner are, Bonny, Etche and Emohua Local Government Areas.
She said the workshop will enable the team from the federal ministry of health and social welfare to brainstorm with the view to finding solution to the problem.
The Commissioner also gave reasons why the Mamii initiative was the best as far as finding solution to maternal mortality was concerned.
“The uniqueness of the Mamii initiative driven by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was that we used evidence to elicit the reasons for this deaths, so that the solutions will be context specific and tailored to the particular environment where those deaths are occuring
“For us in Rivers state we have six Mamii LGAs , nationally we we have 172 local government areas “the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her opening remarks,Dr Oreh said the state government is prepared to work with the federal ministry of health and social welfare to check the rate of maternal mortality in the state.
She commended The Minister of Health and Social welfare Professor Ali Muhammad Pategi for driving the Mamii initiative across the country and expressed optimism that the programm will see to the end of maternal mortality in the country.
Also speaking the National Coordinator Nigeria health sector Renewal Initiative Dr Adam Ahmed said Rivers state is the last state among Mamii states in the country to host the team.
He said the team will visit the affected Local Government Areas with the view to interacting with the people on how to check the trend.
He expressed the hope that with continuous efforts, maternal mortality will be checked.
Also speaking the permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Health Professor Justinah Jumbo said the government is not leaving any stone unturned towards reduction in maternal deaths.
The permanent secretary said Governor Siminalaye Fubara is a health friendly Governor who is desirous in improving the quality of health of Rivers people.
John Bibor
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rivers state has declared a one day fasting and prayer to seek divine intervention on the political crisis rocking the state.
The Association said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt.
State chairman of the Association,Most Rev. Dokiboeriya B. Kaladokubo said the fasting and prayer which holds February 5th at the Ecumenical center Abonnema wharf was in furtherance of the Association peace, advocacy, good governance and political stability in Rivers state.
He said the Association has observed with disappointment the dangerous trend and and gradual descent of governance in Rivers state into uncertainty and near oblivion, adding that the trend has exposed Rivers citizens to insecurity, economic hardship, loss of livelihood and the destruction of lives and property.
Kaladokubo said the association has also watched with dismay the unfolding political crisis in the state, stressing “what we see today is not merely a disagreement among political actors,it is a dangerous drift that threatens the very foundation of governance, peace, security and the collective well-being of our people”
According to him,”as the custodians of the spiritual and moral conscience of Rivers state,we can not remain silent while the state is pushed steadily towards chaos, institutional breakdown and avoidable suffering
“We are not oblivious of the fact that Rivers state like some other states in the federation often experience tension between the Executive and the Legislature “adding”when disagreement escalate they can hinder governance, delay budgets ,erode public trust and impede peaceful, constructive development”
The Christian body stressed the need for parties involved in the conflict to seek for peaceful resolution, stressing that as Christians and children of God “we should seek the path of peace and reconciliation as Christ Himself taught us”it said
The Association further encourage the both arms of government to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and prioritize good governance in Rivers state
“We also advised all the parties in these conflict to call their supporters to exercise restraint in all their utterances and de-escalate tension in the interest of peace in Rivers state ”
CAN also described as disturbing the role some elder statesmen and individuals in the state have played and continue to play in the crisis when they should have serve as voices of wisdom, restraint and unity
“Rather than guiding the process towards peace, some have taken sides,fueled division and encouraged instability becoming more dangerous than those currently holding power”,it said.
John Bibor
-
News2 days agoDon Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair
-
Niger Delta17 hours agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Nation19 hours agoHoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries
-
Transport20 hours agoNigeria Rates 7th For Visa Application To France —–Schengen Visa
-
Sports19 hours agoSimba open Nwabali talks
-
Niger Delta19 hours ago
Stakeholders Task INC Aspirants On Dev … As ELECO Promises Transparent, Credible Polls
-
Niger Delta17 hours ago
Students Protest Non-indigene Appointment As Rector in C’River
-
Oil & Energy20 hours agoElectricity Consumers Laud Aba Power for Exceeding 2025 Meter Rollout Target