By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom Government said it would continue to work together with the Federal Fire Service in combating fire incidents to protect life and assets of public and private individuals in the state.
State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga stated this when the Zonal Commandant, Federal Fire Service, Assistant Comptroller Edoho Udom paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Uyo yesterday.
Ibanga commended the Federal Fire Service for timely intervention and collaboration with the State Fire Service whenever there was a fire outbreak in the state.
On the need to create public awareness on fire prevention measures, the commissioner advised the Federal Fire Service to work out a robust programme in partnership with the State Ministry of Information and also have a help line for emergency purposes.
He assured the Zonal Commandant that he would draw the attention of the state Governor, on the need to visit the headquarters of Federal Fire Service to attract assistant to the Zonal Office in Uyo.
The Zonal Commandant had earlier said he came to meet with the Commissioner to solicit for more equipment to enable the organization combat fire whenever the need arises.
Udom, who is in charge of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, added that the work of the Federal Fire Service in a state, is to complement efforts of the state Fire Service as one fire station is not enough to contend fire incidents in the state.
He appealed to the Commissioner to assist the Federal Fire Service in securing the utility vehicle which was promised by the immediate past administration and made a case for a Safety Officer to be stationed in the State Government House in case of any fire emergency.
He commended the Commissioner for always being present at fire scenes to monitor the efforts of firefighters and assist where necessary and intimated the Commissioner on the need to have more fire stations.
