Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has lauded the exceptional quick response and dedication to service of officers and men of Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service.
It would be recalled that the Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service salvaged and rescued the entire complex of EFCC Zonal Office in Enugu on Friday, May 5, 2023.
The Secretary of the EFCC, Dr George Ekpungu, who led a high-powered delegation from the Commission, gave the commendation in Enugu when the EFCC paid a courtesy visit to headquarters of the Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service.
Ekpungu said that the commission’s delegation was also in Enugu to “warmly thank you” for the rapid response in attending to the fire outbreak that gutted one of the administrative blocks in EFCC Enugu Zonal Command on Friday.
He said: “We have received full details of your great role in extinguishing the fire outbreak in quick and record time.
“The EFCC applauds this exceptional work, sacrifice and dedication of the officers and men of the Enugu State Fire and Rescue Services ably led by Engr Okwudiri Daniel Ohaa.
“It must be noted that the Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service today ranks as the number one in the whole federation in terms of readiness, preparedness and having functional and modern firefighting equipment.”
The secretary equally called for collaboration between the Service and the EFCC Enugu-Zonal Command.
He also requested the professional input of the Service in the ongoing construction of the EFCC South-East Zonal Headquarters.
Responding, the State Director of Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Okwudiri Ohaa, said that the EFCC thank-you visit would boost the morale of the personnel of the Service to do much more to save lives and properties in the state.
Ohaa appreciated the efforts of the EFCC staff that were on duty that eventful day, that alerted fire service promptly “because without their prompt distress call, we will not have responded rapidly.”
He said that Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service had come up to this present level due to the commitment, passion and hard work of the officers and men of the Service and also the enormous support of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
“His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has provided a lot of logistics that has positioned the Service or Agency to this enviable height.
“Before now, the State Fire and Rescue Service was in a moribund state. Before 2015 we had only one functional fire-fighting truck that was being maintained by Timber Shade Market traders.
“However, with the great support of this current administration, we now have 18 functional firefighting trucks and other firefighting tools that help us to attend to emergencies rapidly.
“Also, after 60 years of establishing Fire Service in the Eastern Region, this current administration of His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has funded the construction and completion of Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service administrative headquarters of international standard.
“This and more have really repositioned us to be effective, efficient and responsive agency,” he said.
The members of the EFCC high-powered delegation included: EFCC’s Director Public Affairs Department; Osita Nwajah; EFCC Zonal Commander; Aliyu Naibi, Deputy Zonal Commander; Effiong Ekenendu and Head Facility Abuja, David Eze, among others.
