Pix: New Controller-General, Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi

Hassan Ahmed writes from Kaduna

On August 14, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Deputy Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi as the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, following the retirement of Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji Olola. The appointment has been widely commended as one based on merit and competence rather than politics or nepotism. Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was quick to emphasize that the President’s choice reflected a clear commitment to excellence and the need to reposition the Federal Fire Service for greater efficiency.

Adeyemi’s emergence at the helm of the Fire Service is no accident. It is the product of over three decades of consistent service in fire and emergency management. He began his career as a frontline firefighter with the FCT Fire Service before moving to the Federal Fire Service, where he steadily rose through the ranks. Over the years, he has held critical operational, administrative, and strategic positions that have given him an all-round understanding of the workings of the Service. His most recent position was that of Deputy Controller-General in charge of Operations and Strategy, where he coordinated nationwide emergency responses, developed frameworks for crisis management, and oversaw reforms to improve the Service’s operational effectiveness.

Adeyemi is not only a seasoned field officer but also an accomplished administrator. As head of the Human Resources Directorate at the Federal Fire Service headquarters, he was responsible for personnel development and capacity building, ensuring that the Service recruited, trained, and retained highly skilled professionals. His vision for modernizing the workforce was complemented by his strong push for continuous retraining, one of the most extensive in the Service’s history, aimed at equipping officers with modern firefighting techniques and disaster management strategies. These efforts have not only raised the morale of officers but have also prepared the Service to better handle emergencies across Nigeria.

A reform-minded leader, Adeyemi has championed public awareness campaigns on fire safety and pushed for stronger legislation to back fire prevention and management. He has also been instrumental in forging partnerships with both local and international stakeholders, ensuring that Nigeria benefits from global best practices in fire and disaster management. His record of effective community engagement and his emphasis on education and persuasion have helped dissuade many young people from engaging in unsafe practices, while his strict enforcement measures have targeted the root causes of recurring fire hazards in different parts of the country.

His professional growth is marked by extensive training, both locally and abroad. Adeyemi has completed all required command and in-service courses and has represented Nigeria in various international forums on disaster management and emergency response. In addition, he brings to the position a wealth of administrative and financial expertise, being a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria, and a member of other respected professional bodies such as the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management. This blend of technical, administrative, and financial competence places him in a unique position to manage the Federal Fire Service in a holistic and result-driven manner.

The significance of Adeyemi’s appointment lies in the expectations it carries for the future of the Federal Fire Service. Under his leadership, there is anticipation of improved emergency response times, the expansion of fire stations and infrastructure across the country, enhanced training and welfare for officers, and greater public trust through proactive safety campaigns. Nigerians can also expect to see stronger collaborations with state fire services, international partners, and private sector actors in order to create a truly modern fire and emergency management system.

By appointing Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, President Tinubu has sent a strong message that competence and experience remain central to leadership selection under his administration. This choice reflects not only a recognition of Adeyemi’s long track record but also a deliberate effort to strengthen an institution that is critical to the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians. It is a forward-looking decision that prioritises merit and places the right man in the right position at a time when the nation faces increasing challenges from fire disasters, industrial accidents, and other emergencies.

Olumode Samuel Adeyemi’s emergence as Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service is therefore a deserving appointment. His career, defined by loyalty, knowledge, reforms, and results, stands as evidence of the value of consistency and dedication in public service. With his assumption of office, Nigerians can look forward to a new era in fire and emergency management, one that combines professionalism, innovation, and accountability. President Tinubu deserves commendation for this timely and thoughtful choice, which aligns with the administration’s broader vision of strengthening national institutions and ensuring the safety of all citizens.