The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, has graduated eleven newly recruited fire safety officers following the successful completion of a four-week intensive training programme. The officers were formally decorated during the second edition of the Passing-Out Parade of the Fire and Safety Service Unit, held on Thursday at the hospital’s Mini Auditorium.
Representing the hospital management, the Head of the General Administration department, Mrs. Teniola Arowosola, congratulated the graduating officers and commended the Management of OAUTHC for providing an enabling environment and the financial support that made the training programme a success.
She also expressed profound appreciation to the training team from the Federal Fire Service Training School, Ilesa, Osun State, for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to the success of the programme.
According to her, the instructors demonstrated exceptional dedication by imparting the knowledge, practical skills, and discipline required for effective fire prevention and emergency response.
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of Academics, Federal Fire Service Training School, Ilesa, Chief Superintendent of Fire, Bukola Popoola , charged the graduating officers to demonstrate professionalism and put into practice everything they had learned during the rigorous four-week training.
He reminded the officers that they had successfully undergone intensive training in basic firefighting, rescue operations, squad drills, fire drills, and theoretical classroom lectures, all of which prepared them for the responsibilities ahead.
Chief Superintendent Popoola emphasized that the primary responsibility of every fire officer is not merely to extinguish fires, but to prevent them from occurring. He urged the officers to apply the fire prevention strategies they had been taught and ensure early detection of fire incidents, noting that prompt intervention significantly reduces the impact of fire outbreaks.
He further encouraged them to uphold discipline, integrity, and a positive attitude in the discharge of their duties, stressing that these qualities are essential for a successful career in the fire service.
The event climaxed with an impressive passing-out parade and practical firefighting demonstrations, during which the newly graduated officers displayed the skills and competence acquired during the training. The display reaffirmed OAUTHC’s commitment to maintaining a highly trained fire and safety workforce capable of safeguarding lives and property within the hospital community.
Photo Credit: Jamiu Badru ANIPR
