By: Abasiama Umoh
Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Elder Mfon Idung, has called on the State Government to urgently recruit more fire fighters to strengthen emergency response and protect lives and property across the state.
The lawmaker made the call following a motion brought to the House by the Member Representing Onna State Constituency, Elder Sunday Udofot Johnny, On the Urgent Need For The Total Restructuring Of The Akwa Ibom State Fire Service And Provision of Modern Equipment To Combat Fire Disaster In The State, on Tuesday.
Elder Udofot elucidated in the Motion that “The Akwa Ibom State Fire Service was established to protect lives and properties by providing prompt response to fire outbreak and other emergencies within the state”.
Stating that, “over the years however, the service has suffered neglect, leaving it poorly equipped, understaffed and unable to effectively discharge its statutory duties”
He stated further that “the few existing fire stations in the state are either obsolete or in a deplorable condition, without fire trucks, worn out protective equipment and insufficient personnel”. In the Motion, Elder Udofot mentioned that many Local Government Areas in the state do not have functional fire stations, making rapid response to fire incidents almost impossible.
Enlightening further, the Onna Lawmaker noted with dismay that “The Offices and structure that house fire fighters at Brook Street, close to Government House, are in a state of comatose, without roofing, dilapidated and unfit for operations”. Adding that”These critical structure require urgent attention and a total overhaul to restore functionality and provide a safe working environment for personnel.
Worried about the pace of urban development, industrial growth and population increase in the state without corresponding fire fighting capacity, Elder Udofot maintained that the absence of a modern, well equipped and responsive Fire Service poses serious risk to public safety and economic stability.
He further observed that “a total restructuring of the Akwa Ibom State Fire Service, including the provision of modern fire fighting equipment, adequate training of personnel, establishment of new fire stations and the urgent rehabilitation of dilapidated structures at Brook Street Fire Station, will significantly enhance the state’s capacity to prevent and respond to fire disasters.
Amongst other critical prayers, Elder Udofot therefore prayed that the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon (Elder) Udeme Otong, urge the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, to order the immediate restructuring and reorganization of the State Fire Service to ensure efficiency, modernization and operational readiness across the state.
Saying that “The restructuring, modernization and rehabilitation of the State Fire Service will safeguard lives and properties, enhance investors confidence and promote the overall development of the State”
Following the motion and in a swift move, the Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Elder Mfon Idung, solicited amendment to the prayers, to accommodate additional prayer for recruitment of additional fire fighters to the state fire fighting force.
The Etim Ekpo Lawmaker stressed that the growing population and expanding economic activities in the state require an adequate number of fire fighters to combat sudden fire outbreak, occasioned by growing economic activities in the state.
He noted that while fire stations exist in several parts of the state, inadequate manpower continues to limit their effectiveness.
According to him, fire outbreaks in markets, residential areas and public institutions have highlighted the need for prompt response, which can only be achieved with sufficient trained personnel. He said the recruitment of fire fighters would improve response time, reduce losses during emergencies and enhance overall public safety.
The legislator further explained that the proposed recruitment would create employment opportunities for youths, thereby addressing unemployment while building a skilled emergency workforce for the state.
In his final submission, Elder Mfon Idung urged the State Government and Relevant Ministries to consider Fire Service recruitment as a priority in ongoing and future Civil Service employment programmes. He expressed confidence that with adequate government support, Akwa Ibom could build a modern and responsive Fire Service capable of meeting contemporary safety challenges in the State.