Pix: CG Olumode Adeyemi Samuel

The Federal Fire Service has officially launched the 2025 National Fire Safety Week, unveiling a sweeping nationwide campaign that includes school sensitization programmes, market inspections, community fire drills, industrial risk assessments and public safety demonstrations across all 36 states and the FCT.

Declaring the week open at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode Adeyemi, said the initiative aims to dismantle what he described as the country’s entrenched culture of complacency toward fire risks—often captured in the popular phrase, “it is not my portion.”

Adeyemi stated that the year’s theme, “Building a Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Overcoming the ‘Not My Portion’ Mentality,” directly addresses attitudes that have long undermined fire prevention efforts in homes, markets, offices and public institutions. He warned that fire incidents “do not discriminate,” and stressed that negligence frequently results in catastrophic and irreversible losses.

The CG noted that the Service is undergoing comprehensive modernization in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, supported by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. According to him, the next phase of reforms will prioritize technology-driven early detection systems, faster response times, improved personnel welfare and expanded community engagement. These reforms, he added, are essential to achieving the level of national fire protection needed to sustain the president’s proposed N1 trillion economic base.

During the ceremony, Adeyemi presented Bankers’ Cheques to families of fallen and injured firefighters under the Group Life Insurance Scheme, describing the gesture as a solemn acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by frontline responders. He commended insurance partners, stakeholders and the Special Duties Unit for their efforts, urging beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening welfare policies for Service personnel.

The event also featured the unveiling of medals and trophies for the “CG’s Cup,” sponsored by Alhaji Kabir Lateef. Declared an annual contest, the tournament is designed to promote teamwork, discipline, resilience and camaraderie among firefighters, with plans to eventually include other agencies.

Speaking on the week’s central message, Adeyemi emphasized that fire safety must be treated as a collective responsibility, not an individual expectation. He urged Nigerians to integrate safety measures into their daily lives—such as installing smoke detectors, maintaining functional escape routes, checking gas cylinders, switching off appliances and complying with building standards.

He also called on government at all levels to abandon the “Not My Portion” mindset by investing in fire hydrants, integrating fire safety into national security planning, and restoring the institutional strength of fire services nationwide.

Adeyemi expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders whose collaboration continues to advance the Service’s mission of protecting lives, property and the environment. He applauded the dedication of officers and men of the Federal Fire Service, urging Nigerians to embrace a mindset grounded in vigilance, responsibility and knowledge.

“Let us replace the ‘Not My Portion’ mentality with ‘I am responsible for my safety and the safety of others,’” he said.