Video: Fire service controller-general returns to home state for ‘royal blessing’ in convoy

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The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, has returned to his home state of Kogi for Easter celebrations, where he received royal blessings and held engagements with traditional rulers and stakeholders.

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In a post on X, the agency said Adeyemi’s visit included courtesy calls and a grand reception, noting that he “returns home to Kogi, receives royal blessings, as stakeholders commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and call for stronger fire safety.”

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According to a statement by the service, Adeyemi, who was appointed controller-general in August 2025, visited several traditional rulers, including the Elulu of Mopa, Muyiwa Ibeun, and the Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV.

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He was also received in his hometown, Odo-Ape, “amidst cultural displays, drumming, and royal prayers for a successful tenure,” before proceeding to Kabba, where he met the Obaro of Kabba, Solomon Owoniyi.

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The visit culminated in a reception at the Olonijola Event Centre in Kabba, attended by dignitaries, including Kogi State Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo, who represented Governor Usman Ododo, as well as other political and community leaders.

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During the event, stakeholders commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Adeyemi and called for improved fire safety infrastructure in the state.

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“The Maigari of Lokoja called for the establishment of a National Fire Training School in Kogi State, while the Obaro of Kabba appealed for the siting of a Fire Station in Kabba,” the statement said.

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Responding, Adeyemi disclosed that the service is “already working towards establishing a Fire Station in Kabba to address the recurring fire incidents in the area,” while seeking continued support and collaboration.

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However, a video showing the controller-general arriving in a convoy with outriders has sparked criticism on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the display amid challenges facing the fire service.

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A user, @laplace_bopm, wrote: “No wonder, there is no water in ur station, u all use ur lean resources to fund the lifestyle of ur bosses.”

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Another user, @TheOmegaM, described the development as “a flagrant waste of taxpayers’ money,” while @Bashir GS said: “Imagine displaying such nonsense in a country where we don’t have enough fire service stations.”

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Similarly, @Napp06 criticised the show of force, stating: “I can’t believe the page of the federal fire service of Nigeria… is recording such show of force and importance with public funds.”

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