Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Olumode Adeyemi as Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) was based solely on competence and capacity, not personal ties.
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Speaking at Adeyemi’s decoration ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo described the role as “an opportunity only a few ever get” and urged the new CG to deliver results that will stand the test of time.
He emphasized that the president does not need personal connections with appointees, as long as they meet the requirements for the position.
“The President did not look at who you are or whose son you are, but at your capability. He has invested his trust in you. When you look back years from now, make sure you can say you served well,” the Minister charged.
Tunji-Ojo cautioned Adeyemi to prepare for resistance, stressing that leadership requires conviction and courage, not popularity.
“You will have my full support, but don’t expect 100 percent support from everyone. If there is no disagreement in the system, corruption is likely in charge,” he warned.
Describing the Fire Service as one of Nigeria’s most impactful agencies, the Minister added that every life lost in a fire incident should be viewed as a failure of the agency.
He revealed that the National Assembly is already working on a new Fire Service Act to enhance rescue operations and improve efficiency.
“Be the leader, not the led. Charge yourself, stay focused, and never succumb to pressure to please everyone. As you do your job, God will give you strength,” he advised Adeyemi.
Adeyemi, in response, pledged unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and vowed to lead the Service with integrity, diligence, and purposeful leadership.
Expressing gratitude to the President for entrusting him with the responsibility of heading the nation’s fire and rescue agency, Adeyemi described the appointment as a “great honour” he does not take lightly.
“I pledge my total loyalty and unwavering commitment to justifying this confidence through diligent service, integrity, and purposeful leadership,” he said.
The new FFS chief also commended the Minister for his visionary and transformational leadership, noting that his guidance and support have created the right environment for growth, reform, and operational excellence within the Service.
Adeyemi thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (retd), for their roles in facilitating his promotion.
He promised to work with all stakeholders to transform the FFS into “a model of efficiency, discipline, and public trust,” while acknowledging the commitment of officers and personnel across all ranks, whom he described as “the backbone of our success.”
The ceremony marked Adeyemi’s formal takeover from the former CG, Engr. Abdulganiyu Kaji.
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