The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service recently conducted a two-day training program aimed at enhancing the skills of its Watch Officers in dealing with fire-related emergencies. The training, titled “Effective Fire Fighting and Rescue Operations: Roles and Responsibilities of the First Line Supervisors,” took place in Lagos on September 6 and 7, 2023.
According to a statement from the Agency’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Ololade Agboola, the primary objective of the training was to equip the officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands of their roles in the 21st century.
The opening of the training program was presided over by Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations.
During his address, Ogundeko urged the firefighters to represent the Agency efficiently and professionally in their emergency management duties. He also expressed concern about the public’s sometimes incorrect perception of firefighters, emphasizing the importance of their work in stopping fire incidents.
Adeseye Magaret, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, welcomed the participants and acknowledged the operational challenges faced by firefighters worldwide. The training aimed to address these challenges and ensure that the Watch Officers are well-prepared to respond to fire-related emergencies effectively.
This initiative reflects the commitment of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to enhancing its capabilities and providing better emergency services to the community.
“While we think globally, our learning must become in proficient pari passu with our environment,” she added.
The two-day workshop was facilitated by seasoned administrators who delivered professional papers in line with the agency’s core mandate.
These include the Permanent Secretary, of Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs Abidakun Ajibola, who delivered the topic “Public Service Rules and Ethics/Employees Attitudinal Change” while Mr. Sholaja Olufemi from the State Public Service Staff Development Centre spoke on “Responsibilities of First-Line Supervisors for Excellent Service Delivery/Emotional Intelligence.
“From the Ministry of Health, Dr. Odunaye-Badmus Sekinat spoke on Health Tips and Safety of Firefighters, as well as Mrs. Funmi Owolabi from the Office of Transformation, Creativity, and Innovation, dwelled on the Growth Mindset.
“Others are the Anambra State Fire Service Director, Martin Agbili, PhD, Mr. Olokungboye Pascal, Chief Fire Officer (retd.). Commandant of the Agency Technical Training Department, Adesina Semiu; Chief Fire Officer and his colleague, Deputy Commander, Operations, Padonu Sunday; Assistant Chief Fire Officer,” the statement added.