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| Image: Instagram |
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, has sparked debate online following his recent visit to Kogi State during the Easter period, where he was seen moving in a convoy while attending a series of official and traditional engagements.
The visit, which was highlighted in a post shared by the Federal Fire Service on X, included meetings with stakeholders and visits to prominent traditional rulers across the state. According to the agency, the trip was part of efforts to strengthen relationships and promote fire safety awareness.
In its statement, the service noted that Adeyemi “receives royal blessings, as stakeholders commend Bola Ahmed Tinubu and call for stronger fire safety. Fire station in Kabba underway.”
Adeyemi, who assumed office on August 14, 2025, paid courtesy visits to several monarchs during the trip. Among them were the Elulu of Mopa, Muyiwa Ibeun, and the Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV. He also visited traditional leaders in his hometown of Odo-Ape, where he was welcomed with cultural displays and prayers for a successful tenure.
The delegation further stopped at Kabba to meet the Obaro of Kabba before attending a reception held at the Olonijola Event Centre. The event attracted notable dignitaries, including Kogi State Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo, APC National Deputy Secretary Durosinmi Meseko, and former FFS Controller-General Ibrahim Alhaji Liman.
During the gathering, stakeholders expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing Adeyemi to lead the fire service. They also used the opportunity to highlight pressing needs in the state’s fire safety infrastructure.
“The Maigari of Lokoja called for the establishment of a National Fire Training School in Kogi State, while the Obaro of Kabba appealed for the siting of a Fire Station in Kabba, the headquarters of Kogi West,” the statement said.
Responding to these requests, Adeyemi assured attendees that efforts were already underway to improve fire service presence in the area.
“We are already working towards establishing a Fire Station in Kabba to address the recurring fire incidents in the area,” he said, while also appealing for “continued prayers, support, and collaboration.”
Despite the official nature of the visit, public reaction has largely focused on a viral video showing the Controller-General moving with a convoy, complete with security escorts and outriders. The footage has drawn criticism from many Nigerians, who questioned the necessity of such a display given the current challenges facing emergency services in the country.
Some social media users argued that the use of a convoy reflects misplaced priorities, especially in a sector that continues to struggle with inadequate equipment, limited coverage, and funding constraints.
One user, @laplace_bopm, wrote: “No wonder, there is no water in ur station, u all use ur lean resources to fund the lifestyle of ur bosses. Imagine, ordinary fire service in convoy with attack vehicles that is needed against Islamic terrorists.”
Another user, @TheOmegaM, described the situation as a sign of poor governance, stating: “A country that lacks basic amenities and has the head of the Fire Service moving around like an emperor shows a complete lack of focus.”
Others, including @Bashir GS and @Napp06, also voiced concerns, describing the convoy as unnecessary and questioning its relevance in a system still grappling with insufficient fire stations and emergency response capabilities.
The incident has since fueled broader conversations about accountability, resource management, and the expectations placed on public officials, particularly those leading critical emergency services.
While the Federal Fire Service maintains that the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing fire safety concerns, the backlash highlights growing public sensitivity to how government officials utilize resources and present themselves in times of national challenges.
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