TheCable

Akinwumi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, has promoted 150 officers and men of the state fire service.

Ambode, who decorated some of the officers with their new ranks on Monday, said the safety of Lagosians and their properties would not be taken for granted.

Represented by Seye Oladejo, commissioner for special duties, he described the job of the firemen as dangerous.

Ambode said the promotion was part of government’s commitment to the improvement of the service and the officers’ welfare.

“The Lagos state government is indeed very proud of the state fire service,” he said.

“The approval of such number of officers for promotion at the same time in one organisation is a sign that the government is proud of their commitment.

“At the same time, I want to assure them of the government’s support to the service. We promise to always improve on the equipment and the welfare of the officers.

“As a government, we have also noticed improvement to response by the firemen to different incidents which is worthy of commendation.

“We are aware of the risk attached to your vocation, we promise to always provide the needed support.”

The governor, therefore, urged the promoted officers to put in more efforts as more was required of those that had benefitted.

Ibironke Sodeinde, permanent secretary in the ministry, urged the officers to be more committed in their line of duty, saying people were watching the performance of individuals.

Sodeinde said any one that had done well would be rewarded by man and God.

Rasak Fadipe, director of the state fire service, commended the governor for the promotion, noting that the exercise would encourage his men to be committed.

According to Fadipe, one assistant director was promoted to grade level 15, six chief fire superintendent to level 14 and five assistant chief fire superintendent on level 13.

Also, 47 principal fire superintendent on level 12 were among those promoted.

One-hundred-and-fourteen of the promoted officers were jointly decorated with their new ranks by the commissioner, permanent secretary and fire director at the ministry’s board room in Alausa, Ikeja.