By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has called for heightened fire safety awareness and preparedness among staff of the Commission to prevent fire incidents and protect lives and property.
Shehu made the call while delivering the opening remarks at a fire safety training organized for staff of the Commission at the M.B. Shehu Auditorium, RMAFC Headquarters, Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Commission, Comrade Tosin Johnson Adeyanjo.
The Chairman stressed that fire incidents could occur unexpectedly and have devastating consequences if not properly managed, urging staff to take the knowledge acquired during the training seriously and apply it both at the workplace and at home.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play in preventing fire outbreaks and responding appropriately when they occur,” he said.
Shehu reiterated his commitment to maintaining a safe working environment at the Commission, urging staff to exercise caution in the use of electrical appliances, handling of combustible materials and compliance with emergency procedures.
Also speaking, the Director, Technical Services Department, Mr. Osanyamen Olaye, who organized the training, stressed the importance of equipping staff with practical knowledge of fire prevention and emergency response.
Olaye noted that most fire disasters were preventable when people were properly informed, prepared and conscious of their environment.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting a safe working environment and ensuring that its personnel were adequately equipped with the knowledge required to prevent and respond effectively to fire emergencies.
The director encouraged participants to pay close attention to the training and share the knowledge acquired with colleagues in their respective departments.
He explained that the objective of the programme was not only to create awareness but also to build a safety-conscious workforce capable of responding appropriately during emergencies.
The training, conducted by officials of the Federal Fire Service, covered the causes and classification of fire outbreaks, fire prevention measures, safe evacuation procedures and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers.
Participants were also educated on the fire triangle—heat, fuel and oxygen—and how removing any one of the three elements could help to extinguish a fire.
The trainers emphasized the importance of good housekeeping, responsible use of electrical appliances, proper storage of flammable materials and regular maintenance of fire safety equipment.
Staff were also cautioned against attempting to fight fires that had progressed beyond the incipient stage, with emphasis placed on immediate evacuation and contacting the Fire Service when necessary.
The training featured practical demonstrations on different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate applications, as well as guidance on emergency exits, fire safety equipment and general workplace preparedness.
Some participants commended the Commission for organizing the training and pledged to put the knowledge acquired into practice.
The event was witnessed by the Deputy Director, Technical Services Department, Mr. Okon Ante, and the Deputy Director, Administration, Mr. Ebenezer Jaiye Igbekele.
