Following the recent promotion of the former fire chief in Anambra, Engr Martin Agbili as permanent secretary to the ministry of youths and sports, the new Fire Chief, Engr. Emmanuel Chiketa has commenced a state wide sensitization to beat fire disasters in the state.
Chiketa who led operatives of Anambra fire service on a road show to mark this year’s International Firefighters’ Day (IFD) stated this during an interview with journalists.
Operatives of the fire service had during the event done a road show to sensitize Anambra indigenes of various ways to avoid fire disaster.
Chiketa said: “Part of what we are doing today is too sensitize our people on how they can avoid fire disaster. I have started the campaign, and I have been going from one establishment to the other to sensitize them.
“Anambra is a densely populated place, and we have lots of schools, gas plants, petrol stations and even living homes. We have been going around to see how we can help to sensitize the people.”
Engr. Chiketa, who recently assumed office as the State’s Fire Chief further highlighted some of the efforts and feats so far recorded in firefighting by the agency under his watch. These, he said, include facility tour, sensitization programs, and safety awareness campaign in various institutions, including schools and streets, among others.
He promised that he would work hard to ensure that fire incidences in the state are minimized, while also giving accolades to the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for his support to the service.
He noted that the already has 13 fire stations across the state, and that the governor was working to increase the number.
Former fire chief, now Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth Development, Engr. Martin Agbili, said the origin of the International Firefighters’ Day was one to remember their colleagues who lost their lives fighting fire, including those who sustained injuries, and the retired ones.
