Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a statewide fire awareness campaign aimed at curbing fire outbreaks, particularly during the harmattan season.
A statement by the Command’s spokesman, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, said the campaign was in response to the recent surge in fire incidents in Ilorin, the state capital, adding that this prompted the Crisis Management Department of the NSCDC, through its Disaster Management Unit, to conduct a sensitisation programme on Monday, December 16, 2024.
According to the Head of the Disaster Management Unit, DCC Chibuzo Odeyemi, “the sensitisation programme is designed to educate the public in high-risk areas, such as markets and densely populated communities, on effective fire prevention, preparedness, and response strategies”.
Places visited by the NSCDC personnel included Ipata Market, Oja Oba Market, Mandate Market, Oja Tuntun, and Shao Garage, where they engaged traders, motorists, and the general public on common fire hazards, such as improper handling of flammable substances, while emphasizing essential safety measures and emergency response procedures.
She further disclosed that the NSCDC has a statutory responsibility for disaster management and rescue operations and has conducted various awareness programmes on human actions that trigger disasters, urging the public to avoid such practices.
Odeyemi had, therefore, enjoined all residents to adhere strictly to the safety tips provided and remain vigilant in preventing fire-related incidents during this dry season.
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