THE Federal Government has commended personnel of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and spirit of service, which culminated in the voluntary construction of two Quarter Guards posts.

Speaking during the unveiling of the new structures at the national headquarters and the Wuse Zone 3 Command in Abuja, the Controller General of the FFS, Olumode  Adeyemi, described the initiative as a powerful testimony to the officers’ commitment to the nation and the institution.

The CG said “This project is particularly special because it was conceived, built, and presented by officers of the Federal Fire Service.

“For the first time in the history of our service, officers have chosen to leave a lasting legacy, not because they were instructed to do so, but because they believe in the vision and direction of the service.”

He noted that the newly unveiled Quarter Guards represent discipline, professionalism, unity, creativity, and a motivated workforce willing to invest their resources to build a stronger institution.

The structures were built through direct labour and voluntary financial contributions by the staff to mark the CG’s one year anniversary in office and to appreciate the government’s recent welfare policies.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to celebrating excellence, Adeyemi directed the Chairman of the CG’s Awards Committee, Deputy Controller-General Mu’azu Tambari, to properly document and honour the officers behind the noble initiative.

Recalling his early days in office, the CG stated that he prioritised workforce welfare by turning down a grand reception, opting instead to use the funds to purchase mattresses for firefighters across Nigeria.

He also highlighted the initiation of a medical intervention scheme to subsidise healthcare and the upward review of interest-free loans for staff from N300,000 to N500,000.

Explaining the motivation behind the voluntary project, the Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG), and Head of the department of Inspectorate, Investigation and Enforcement (IIE) Muhammad Bolarinde Tajudeen, said the Quarter Guards were erected to reflect the discipline currently being championed by the service’s leadership.

“We see what the number one is doing. His motivation is boosting morale, telling officers to be professional, and doing the needful to prevent fire outbreaks.

“This project was not given to a contractor, it was built through direct labour and voluntary contributions from our team,” Tajudeen explained.

Also speaking, the Head of Enforcement, Superintendent of Fire Service, Murtala Mohammed, confirmed that the staff pooled their resources to show appreciation for the unprecedented welfare packages introduced over the past year.

“Upon assuming office, he gave us an enabling environment to operate. He provided free medical interventions, stipends for bereaved officers, and free ambulance services for personnel nationwide. This is part of showing our appreciation. We are really impressed and happy with his regime,” Mohammed said.