FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE WARNS AGAINST ILLEGAL MARKET STRUCTURES, FLAGS OFF 2025 FIRE SAFETY WEEK IN OYO
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Agency Report
The Federal Fire Service (FFS), Oyo State Command, has condemned the growing trend of indiscriminate construction of shops and illegal structures in markets, warning that such practices severely hinder fire response operations and endanger lives and property.
The Zonal Commander for Oyo and Osun States, Olojo Ayodeji, issued the warning on Monday in Ibadan during the flag-off of the 2025 National Fire Safety Week, themed “Building the Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Overcoming the ‘Not My Portion’ Mentality.”
Ayodeji noted that many market fire disasters occur due to the presence of highly combustible materials and the chaotic layout caused by unregulated structures. He explained that the illegal erection of shops restricts access routes, making it difficult for firefighters to swiftly intervene during emergencies.
“These illegal structures obstruct easy passage during emergencies,” he said. “If proper structures are erected and safety measures are followed, it will greatly reduce the difficulties in responding to fire emergencies in markets and other places.”
The zonal commander stressed that the Fire Safety Week is an annual sensitisation programme held during the dry season when fire outbreaks are most common. He said officers would be visiting markets, schools, offices and other public spaces to educate citizens on fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Superintendent of Fire Oke Ayodeji attributed 80 per cent of fire incidents in Nigeria to negligence and careless behaviour by citizens. He urged Nigerians to abandon the “not my portion” attitude and adopt proactive safety practices.
“Fire can occur at any time and in any place. Having the right mindset and discarding the ‘not my portion’ mentality will be better for us and for the country as a whole,” he warned.
The Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Oyo State Command, Adeyemo Ariyo, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to continued public sensitisation aimed at reducing fire incidents across the state.
The event was attended by representatives of several agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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