‘Firefighting is everyone’s responsibility’ – FFS boss Olumode

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has urged wealthy Nigerians, philanthropists, business leaders and corporate organisations to support the establishment of fire stations across the country, saying fire safety should be treated as a shared responsibility.

The Controller General of the Service, Adeyemi Samuel Olumode, made the call on Thursday at a one-day National Stakeholders’ Summit on Fire Safety in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Building a Resilient Fire Service for the 21st Century,” Olumode said more strategically located fire stations were needed to bring emergency services closer to communities and reduce the time required to respond to fire incidents.

“Wealthy individuals, philanthropists, businesses and corporate organisations can make a real difference by investing in fire stations, as this will help protect lives and property. The fire stations established in Offa, Oyo, Idanre, Bonny Island and Kugbo demonstrate what communities can achieve when they take direct responsibility for their safety,” Olumode said.

He described such support as an investment in saving lives and protecting property rather than simply an act of charity.

“Firefighting is not the responsibility of government alone. Wealthy individuals, philanthropists, businesses and corporate organisations can support the establishment of fire stations in their communities and help bring emergency response closer to the people,” Olumode said.

The Controller General also said the summit marked one year since he assumed office on August 14, 2025, describing the occasion as an opportunity to review the Service’s progress over the past year.