● Tonye Okurumo
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property by upgrading the state’s firefighting infrastructure. He stated that the newly modernized Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters, complete with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, will significantly strengthen the state’s emergency response capacity.
Speaking at the commissioning of the facility located near Isaac Boro Park Flyover in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Fubara emphasized that the project aligns with his vision of purposeful governance that delivers tangible benefits to the people.
“We lost the Mile One Market because we couldn’t respond adequately. We lost 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?” the governor lamented.
He recalled how, in previous years, the state had to rely on multinational companies for fire response, leading to delays and colossal losses. However, with the commissioning of the new fire service headquarters and the acquisition of modern fire trucks, the state can now respond swiftly to emergencies without external assistance.
Governor Fubara (2nd right); cutting the tape while former Governor, Dr Peter Odili (right); and former National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus (left); assist during the official commissioning of the remodelled and rehabilitated Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt,Tuesday.
Governor Fubara cited a recent tanker accident along the Woji-Elelenwo Road as an example of the progress made, stating, “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 reassured Rivers residents that his administration is focused on meaningful projects that address critical needs. “We are not interested whether those people who are commissioned to undermine us are unhappy, that is not our business. Our business is about Rivers State and Rivers people,” he stated.
The governor commended the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Sam Anya, for ensuring the successful execution of the project, and he urged fire service personnel to remain dedicated to their responsibilities.
“You can imagine a government that has a fire service, and the firemen are not working. It is only at the end of the month you pay them their salaries. You can see that they were not happy and unproductive. But today, they are happy because they have a big responsibility now ahead of them: to ensure that lives and property of the good people of Rivers State are adequately protected,” he remarked.
Dr. Samuel Anya, the Commissioner for Special Duties, highlighted that this is the first major upgrade of the fire service station since it was originally built in the 1960s. He noted that new features, including a gym, sick bay, and offices, have been introduced to make the facility comparable to the best in the country.
Govwrnor Fubara test-driving one of the new fire-fighting trucks shortly after commissioning the remodelled and reconstructed Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt,Tuesday.
“We have gym, sick bay, offices, and state-of-the-art equipment that we will use to combat fire. Your Excellency, we have also new fire trucks that you have acquired. Before now, we did not have any truck, and when incidents happened, we had to call the Federal Fire Service or rely on Agip or Shell Fire Service. But thank God that His Excellency, in his wisdom, has given us a state-of-the-art facility, and we don’t need to call any other person again,” Dr. Anya said.
Also speaking, Mr. Clifford Paul, Head of Local Government Administration, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, commended Governor Fubara for transforming the once-dilapidated fire service station into a modern facility. He described the upgrade as a significant milestone that will enhance personnel capacity and preparedness in tackling fire emergencies.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration will continue to provide essential amenities without bias and urged those in charge of the firefighting equipment to ensure proper maintenance for maximum efficiency. GMTNewsng
