JUST IN: FFS inducts nationwide corps of public relations officers

News

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has recorded a major milestone in its institutional development with the first coordinated training and induction of Public Relations Officers representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The milestone was achieved on Friday at a One-Day National Stakeholders’ Summit on Fire Safety and Induction of Federal Fire Service Public Relations Officers, organised by the FFS in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Rightangle Public Relations (RPR) in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by DCF P.O. Abraham, National PRO and Head, Corporate Services, FFS, the summit was held under the theme, “Building a Resilient Fire Service for the 21st Century.”

The event brought together stakeholders from government, security and emergency management agencies, professional bodies, the media and the private sector to deliberate on emerging fire safety challenges and the need for stronger collaboration.

A major highlight of the summit was the formal unveiling of the Federal Fire Service Public Relations Corps badge, symbolising the establishment of a coordinated professional communication structure for the Service nationwide.

The Public Relations Officers, drawn from the 36 states and the FCT, were formally inducted into the NIPR after undergoing specialised training designed to strengthen their capacity in strategic communication, media relations, crisis communication, public information, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

The induction also included the administration of the professional oath, committing the officers to the ethics and responsibilities of the public relations profession.

Speaking at the event, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, described the initiative as a new chapter in the Service’s communication architecture.

He stressed that effective communication was critical to building public confidence, particularly during emergencies, and challenged the newly inducted officers to uphold professionalism, accuracy, transparency and timely communication.

Adeyemi urged them to strengthen public understanding of the Fire Service and help address longstanding misconceptions about the institution through effective engagement with the public and the media.

The Guest Lecturer, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), provided a professional and strategic perspective, highlighting the growing importance of communication in strengthening institutional resilience and public trust.

Also speaking, the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, who formally inducted the officers, urged them to uphold the ethical standards of the profession and recognise their responsibility as the public voice of the Federal Fire Service.

The summit also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution to fire resilience.

The Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), in a separate charge to the newly inducted officers, urged them to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and a strong commitment to public service.

Stakeholders at the summit also emphasised the shared responsibility for fire safety and called on Nigerians to support emergency responders.

They particularly urged motorists and other road users to give firefighting appliances the right of way, keep access routes clear and avoid actions capable of obstructing emergency operations.

The occasion also coincided with the first anniversary of Adeyemi’s assumption of office as Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service on August 14, 2025.

The Service said the event therefore marked both a milestone in the professionalisation of its public relations structure and an important step in its efforts to build a more responsive, resilient and publicly trusted institution.

With the induction of the PROs and unveiling of the Public Relations Corps badge, the FFS now has a coordinated corps of trained Public Relations Officers positioned across the country to strengthen public education, media engagement, strategic communication and stakeholder relations in support of its mandate to protect lives and property.