ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT PROCURES FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS FOR STATE FIRE SERVICE

By Ejike Abana

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo-led government has procured fire fighting equipments for the Anambra State fire service department.

The items include lengths of two and half inches by seventy-five feet delivery hose, inline inductor, hand control branch, foam making branch, insulated fireman axe, fire retardant coverall, safety boot, crash helmet, complete set of standard fire suits and chemical foam compound.

Presenting the equipments onbehalf of Governor Soludo at the State Fire Headquarter, Awka, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka stressed that the presentation is a fulfilment of the promise of commitment to safety and security, made by the Governor to ndị Anambra.

Engr. Chukwuemeka expressed optimism that the equipments will enhance the capacity of the fire service department to promptly respond to fire outbreaks and other emergencies and expressed optimsm that the acquisition of the modern equipments will help the trained firefighters to become more effective and productive.

"Let me reiterate Mr. Governor's commitment to the safety and security of ndị Anambra. We will continue to invest in modern equipment and training for our firefighters to ensure that they can effectively carry out their duties. We will also continue to work with other stakeholders to prevent fire outbreaks, and ensure that our people are safe from other disasters", concluded the Commissioner.

The Managing Director, Anambra Strategy, Execution and Evaluation Office, Mr. Emma Onyilofor, said that their role was to confirm and ensure that all equipments procured are in consonance with what was requested for and approved by Anambra State Executive Council, especially as it relates to quality.

Mr. Onyilofor revealed that the Governor is trying to end the era of fire stations without fire equipments, just like he has put an end to the era of schools and hospitals without teachers and doctors, respectively.

He urged the fire service to ensure that the equipments are used with utmost care.

Speaking earlier, the State Fire Chief, Engr. Martin Agbili appreciated the state government for granting their request for the equipments and called on ndị Anambra to always deploy fire safety measures in their homes, work places, cars and other public places to avoid unpleasant fire emergencies.

The Supplier of the equipments, Chief Charles Nchezo and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka appreciated the state government for procuring the best quality products that will stand the test of time.

The Commissioner and team later toured round the facility to inspect some of the old equipments that are currently undergoing repairs.

SOLUDO'S PRESS SECRETARY, ABURIME INTERACTS WITH JOURNALISTS, CANVASSES MORE SUPPORT

By Ejike Abana 

Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime has reminded journalists in Anambra state of the need to deploy the five principles of journalism including truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity, and accountability.

Mr. Aburime gave the reminder during a friendly interaction with members of Correspondents' Chapel of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The Press Secretary emphasized that the principles are compliance professionals can live by, saying that eventhough journalists are not expected to completely dance to the tune of government, especially when they are not doing well, but practice development journalism at all times.

He explained that development journalism is a platform for a cordial relationship between independent news media and the government in which journalists offer critical evaluation and interpretation of development plans and their implementation instead of engaging sensationalism or casting misleading headlines, which he explained are inimical to growth.

The Press Secretary added that development is central to every facet of the society, pointing out that development journalism is used to propel developments in the society, implying that it is used to unravel the areas in the society that requires more attention and work by the government.

He however noted that when this is achieved, the society experiences growth in every ramification.

Mr. Aburime who pointed out that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and team hold the journalism profession and practitioners in high esteem, revealed that the current administration is already embarking on several development projects, calling on them to continue to rally support for them.

Earlier, Chairman of the Chapel, Mr. Chuks Ilozue hinted that they are in support of government of Professor Soludo, irrespective of the fact that they look forward to having a one-on-one parley with him, to make the outcomes of their evaluation and findings about his government known to him.

Mr. Ilozue requested the Press Secretary to convey the Chapel's goodwill to the Governor and assured that their members will continue to discharge their duties in compliance to the tenets of the journalism profession.

Others who spoke during the dialogue such as Mr. Tony Okafor, Mr. Emma Ndukuba, Mr. Kevin Ikediegwu, among others, called on the government to speed up development across the state and solicited for more government presence.