By Victoria Onyisi
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has assured that the Federal Government is building a Federal Fire Service Academy of world class that would be the most sophisticated Fire Academy in West Africa.
Tunji-Ojo made this revelation Thursday when he visited the National Fire Academy, Sheda, Kwali.
While reiterating that the priority of the government is to secure lives and property, the Minister said, “We are erecting a Fire Service Academy that is arguably the most sophisticated fire Academy in West Africa.
In a statement, the Director of Press and Communications in the Ministry, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, quoted the Minister as saying: “We believe that the potential for the industry is so massive, we are poised to bring out the best out of the Industry, out of the profession, we will make it a profession of envy.
“The facilities which comprise well equipped training centres, recreational centres, gym, and clinic will not only meet local demands but of world class standard, comparable to anyone you can get anywhere in the world,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Kwali Area Council and the traditional rulers for providing communal support for infrastructural development.
“Renewed Hope is a joint task regardless of the tier of Government. It is everybody’s business. We share one dream, we share one accord and the mission is very clear to make life better for Nigerians” he said.
Earlier on, while inspecting facilities at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Dr. Tunji-Ojo disclosed that 9 correctional centres were undergoing rehabilitation, adding: “You can see that the perimeter fencing is completed.
“What we are doing is to put solar light on both sides for illumination, to provide light to secure the place. It is not only about the structure, you saw the IT solution, our Officers have enrolled, the environment is cleaner, we are very optimistic that there will be a complete turnaround of Kuje Correctional Centre which will be like a model for all other correctional centres” he said.
The Minister, added that a 125 bed-sized correctional facility was under construction at Suleja to solve the problem of overcrowding and congestion.”
“We are putting in efforts to ensure that our centres are safe, our centres are full proof to attack. Our correctional centres are national assets that must be protected” he said.
He reiterated the importance of leveraging on the potentials of the inmates to diversify the economy. “As you can see, Nigerian Correctional Service is diversifying. You saw the poultry farm; they are producing what the inmates eat, that will help us to rely less on purchases” he said.
He reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not resting on its oars to ensure that the correctional centres are correctional in nature and not condemnation centres.