Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Monday
presented 27 new operational vehicles to the state civil service,
including the State Fire Service, saying the gesture was to strengthen
efficient service delivery and conducive working atmosphere.
Speaking shortly after handing over the keys of the vehicles to the
Kwara State Head of Service (HoS), Susan Modupe Oluwole at the event
held at the Government House, Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq said, “We
present these to them to make their job easier. Civil servants are
entering taxi and okada to perform their duties. That is not good
enough. This will boost their performance capability. We saw that
there is a need to mobilise them and make them more functional.”
He said the government purchased the 300-litre capacity modern fire
fighting vehicles for the Fire Service to empower it to operate more
effectively during fire outbreaks in order to save lives and
properties.
“We procured these fire fighting equipment because of the safety of
lives and property. It is important we safeguard lives and property.
The fire fighters have been selfless in what they do to the government
and people of the state. So, we need to build their capacity and keep
them up to the task,” he said.
He said another set of fire fighting equipment have been ordered and
would soon be delivered as part of the government’s effort to
strengthen the capacity of the state to combat fire incident.
“Plans are underway by the Federal Government to set up Fire Training
Institute in Kwara State to build capacity of fire fighting officers,”
he said.
The vehicles comprised 15 Toyota Hillux vans; five coaster buses; five
Hiace buses; and two Hilux pick-up with fire equipment.
The vehicles are to be distributed to the office of the HoS; Kwara
United Football Club and Government House.
Speaking, the HoS appreciated Abdulrazaq for the gesture, saying “we
have never had it so good and we assure you that we will also do more
to justify the confidence.”
In his remarks, the state Fire Service Director, Waheed Yakub said the
skytick fire-fighting technology is easy to use and can reach as far
as 50 metres.
“We are grateful to the Governor for this. It is a great boost for our
work. With this new technology, we can better deliver on our mandate.
Unlike the old one, this vehicle can penetrate anywhere and it has
twice the capacity of the bigger vans,” Yakub said.
Present at the brief ceremony were top government functionaries,
including the Chief of Staff Adisa Logun; Commissioner-designate
Rotimi Iliasu; and some Permanent secretaries and directors from the
state civil service.
