Lagos State Fire Director, Rasak Fadipe Pulled Out Of Office After 35-years

The Lagos State Fire Director, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, was on Thursday pulled out ceremoniously after serving the state for 35 years.

Fadipe, who dressed in a fire service ceremonial uniform, was pulled out with his wife, Mrs.  modinat Fadipe in a decorated Toyota Hilux by senior fire officers,  with the Nigeria police band providing the music.

The 27 other fire officers who had either served for 35 years/ attained 60 years of age also retired alongside with Fadipe, while gifts from the service, family and friends were presented to them.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo decribed Fadipe as a success in the administration of fire service, stressing that his tenure brought tremendous changes to Lagos Fire Service.

Oladejo said Fadipe was able to meet the emergency calls from different parts of the state, urging the successor to take cue from him in all emergency activities and welfare for the staff.

The commissioner said the state government was committed to the protection and safety of Lagosians, assuring of more fire equipment, capacity building for firemen.

He commended all the retirees for meritorious job, stressing that some other officers will be trained to replace those leaving the service. 0

On the appointment of new director for the service,  Oladejo said successor would be made today (Thursday), stressing that new director will be announced after approval by the governor.

The retired Director,  Rasak Fadipe was grateful to God for sustenance and Lagos State government for the opportunity to serve at the fire directorate unit.

Fadipe said the job was so demanding, stressing that he enjoyed working for his father’s land.

“Everything that has beginning has an end. Today marks the end of the service I started 35 years ago. It is the beginning of a new era for me and family,” he said.

He also commended President the firemen and officers, describing them as his family members.

“If there is one I regret not doing while in office, was the ability to send our men for overseas training. Whoever takes over from me must work hard for this. Fire operations come all the time.

“It is not a job you do sitting in office, you must be on the fields all the time. The public must memorised the two emergency numbers: 767 or 112. This will help in the time of emergency, “ he advised.

One of the senior officers that may likely takes over from Fadipe,  Mr Rasak Musibau,  Deputy Head,  Lagos State Fire Service ,told our correspondent on the sidelines of the pulling out ceremony that Fadipe did well in office.

According to Musibau,  Fadipe is an excellent, hardworking Man who cares for the welfare of staff and carry the management along his activities.

“Any one that will replace Fadipe has a lot to do. If by God’s grace I am appointed as his successor, I will do my best to improve upon the height attained in the state currently,” he said.