Abuja: The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the new Federal Fire Service (FFS) Controller-General, Olumode Adeyemi to transform the service. Tunji-Ojo gave the charge while decorating Adeyemi at the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) office in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized the need for Adeyemi to envision the current state of the FFS and where it should be in the future, stressing that his performance will be evaluated based on his ability to transform the service. Tunji-Ojo encouraged Adeyemi to be a leader who is focused, courageous, and determined to serve Nigerians, highlighting the importance of the FFS as one of the most impactful agencies in the country.
The minister advised Adeyemi not to expect unanimous support from his team, stating that leadership is about the conviction of doing what is right, even if not everyone supports it. Additionally, Tunji-Ojo mentioned that a new fire service law is being developed by the National Assembly to replace the outdated one currently in use.
Magdalene Ajani, the ministry's Permanent Secretary, also urged the new FFS boss to remain true to the Federal Government and Nigerians. She emphasized the importance of working in accordance with the country's existing laws and prioritizing national interests. Ajani assured Adeyemi of full support from the ministry and his colleagues, and appealed to Nigerians not to pressure him, as his role is not to award contracts that could lead to compromises.
In his response, Adeyemi expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister for his appointment. He pledged to work diligently to fulfill the service's mandates and to change the narrative of the FFS, promising not to disappoint the president and Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeyemi assumed office as the new CG on Wednesday following the retirement of CG Abdulganiyu Jaji, who reached the retirement age of 60.