Abuja – The Honourable Minister of Interior and Chairman, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for visionary leadership in the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and urged the swift repeal of the FFS Act to meet the demands of modern rescue and prevention operations.

The Minister made the call on Thursday during the decoration of the newly appointed Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, at the CDCFIB Hall, Abuja.

Commending the immediate past Controller General, Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu, MIFireE, MNSE, for his contributions to the Service, Dr. Tunji-Ojo charged the new FFS boss to set a clear vision for the institution’s future.

“Write your own script. Life has given you this opportunity to be Controller General — strive to ensure that at the end of your tenure, you can confidently tell yourself that you have done well. Leadership is about doing what is right, not waiting for the 100% support of your men,” the Minister stated.

He stressed that the current Federal Fire Service Act must be reformed urgently, noting that advancements in technology and evolving threats have redefined the scope of rescue and prevention. He urged Adeyemi to be courageous, avoid chasing popularity, and uphold the Service’s integrity.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene N. Ajani, in her goodwill message, advised the new Controller General to remain loyal to the Nigerian people, act within the laws of the land, and place national interest above all else. She assured him of the Ministry’s full support.

In his vote of thanks, Adeyemi expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, the Permanent Secretary, and the Secretary of the CDCFIB for their trust. He pledged to “change the narrative” of the Service and enhance its operational efficiency.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Board Secretary of the CDCFIB, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, who read Adeyemi’s citation before his decoration; members of the National Assembly; traditional rulers; past FFS Controllers General, including Engr. JG Anebi and Dr. Liman Ibrahim; as well as representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and FCT Fire Service.

The ceremony concluded with a colourful reception at the Federal Fire Service Headquarters, where guests and officers celebrated the milestone with pride and camaraderie.