Govt to recruit 150 firemen, as 12 retire

Ambode disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos during the Send-off Parade hosted for 12 retired firemen and one Non-fire personnel at Alausa .

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, said that plan for the recruitment was ongoing.

Ambode said the State Fire Service was also permitted to recall any of the retired firemen during emergency, stressing that they would be rewarded adequately for such service.

“We are aware of old hands leaving the service, they may be retired but not tired. We can call them to service anytime and they would be rewarded.

“The recruitment would be across all categories. As old ones are retiring, There has to be replacement of the retired men.

“There is also plan to add to the facilities the State Fire Service maintained,” Ambode said.

He commended and congratulated the retirees for the meritorious service they rendered and urged them to continue to serve anytime they were called upon.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security and safety of lives and property in the state.

The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, described the retired men as Gallant and brave, stressing that they were some of the experienced firemen leaving the service.

Fadipe said he was happy they were retiring in good health after serving for 35 years.

He said he was happy that Some if the experienced firemen could be recalled during emergency.

“This job needs experience personnel during emergency. I made the recommendation to the governor when I discovered that many of the experienced firemen were retiring. I am happy the governor approved my request,” he said.

One of the retirees, Mr Johnson Adekanmi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the parade that serving for 35 years was “not a tea party”.

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Adekanmi said that one of his memorable days was 1983 when the Nigeria Telecommunication building Marina, was gutted by fire and the then President Shehu Shagari, who was supposed to be traveling out stopped his journey and watched as they fought the fire.

Other activities during the Send-off Parade was the award for some serving firemen who distinguished themselves in various fields.