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Tag: Lagos State

  • Top military officers patronising Apapa drug dealers, Council boss alleges

    Top military officers patronising Apapa drug dealers, Council boss alleges

    Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA in Lagos State, Jimoh Olawale Saliu, has accused some senior military officers of shielding illicit drug peddlers in parts of Apapa.

    He also alleged that some wealthy individuals in the community were financing the illegal trade.

    Saliu, in a statement on Sunday, identified a location known as Gidan Drama in Marine Beach, Apapa, located near Tego Army Barracks, as a hub for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

    Describing the area as a hideout for notorious criminals, the council chairman said various offences, including the sale of illicit drugs and stolen goods, are perpetrated there. He alleged that some military officers shield the suspects from arrest and sometimes threaten or detain council officials on legitimate duties.

    Saliu spoke during the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council held at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Marine Beach. 

    He urged the Lagos State Government and well-meaning organisations to acquire the Gidan Drama site for the construction of a secondary school, lamenting rising insecurity in the LCDA. 

    According to him, criminals often fled into the area after committing offences, making arrests difficult.

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    He alleged that council officials attempting to carry out enforcement operations in the area are often intimidated or detained. He cited an instance where three LCDA staff members were allegedly arrested and taken to a military base before they were released following intervention.

    Saliu also expressed concern over the involvement of elderly residents in drug trafficking, noting that two suspects were recently arrested during a police raid, with one allegedly concealing drugs in her wrapper.

    He lamented the impact of the criminal activities on the future of young people in the area, stating that the absence of adequate educational infrastructure worsens the situation. 

    The LCDA boss appealed to stakeholders to support the establishment of a secondary school at the site, describing it as a way to curb criminal activities and improve educational opportunities.

    Saliu commended the Corona Schools Trust Council for its efforts in promoting access to education and urged the organisation to extend similar interventions to Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, noting the absence of a senior secondary school in the area.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs. Adedoyin Adesina, said the organisation has been addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

    She disclosed that 75 children have been enrolled in schools in the Ago-Egun community in Bariga LCDA within three years. She added that the initiative would be replicated in the Gangare area of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.

    Adesina said 25 children were being enrolled in the first phase of the programme, with another 25 to be enrolled next year and an additional 25 in the third year. She noted that the council also supports the families of enrolled children and their schools to ensure sustainability of the programme.

  • Lagos rolls out diversion plan for Apongbon Bridge repairs

    Lagos rolls out diversion plan for Apongbon Bridge repairs

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced a traffic diversion plan ahead of repair works on the failed asphalt sections of the ramp and service lane linking Inner Marina to Apongbon Bridge, as well as parts of the bridge on the inbound and outbound lanes.

    According to the Ministry of Transportation, the works will run for six weeks from Thursday, February 5, to Thursday, March 19. The repairs will begin with the service lane before shifting to the main carriageway.

    The statement signed by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that sections of the affected roads would be closed to traffic to allow the Federal Ministry of Works undertake the rehabilitation safely.

    For inbound traffic, motorists from Inner Marina are expected to proceed to the Apongbon under bridge roundabout, connect to Adeniji Adele Road and continue through Ebute Ero to access the ramp leading to Apongbon and Eko Bridge. Traffic from TBS, Third Mainland Bridge and Victoria Island will connect their journeys through Apongbon Bridge to Eko Bridge.

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    When work shifts to the main carriageway, motorists coming from TBS, Third Mainland Bridge and Victoria Island will ramp down at the Apongbon under bridge roundabout by UBA, proceed to Inner Marina, link the service lane and continue to Eko Bridge.

    For outbound movement, motorists from Eko Bridge heading to Inner Marina will be diverted through Ebute Ero Ramp, Adeniji Adele Road and Apongbon under bridge roundabout. Traffic from Eko Bridge to Outer Marina, Victoria Island and Third Mainland Bridge will maintain a through movement on Apongbon Bridge.

    During the main carriageway repairs, motorists heading to Outer Marina, CMS, Victoria Island and Third Mainland Bridge will be routed through Ebute Ero Ramp, Leventis and Outer Marina CMS. Those bound for Inner Marina will ramp down through Chapel Street to the Apongbon under bridge roundabout.

    Osiyemi appealed to motorists to be patient and comply with traffic management officials deployed to guide movement throughout the period. 

    He noted that the temporary diversions were necessary to deliver a successful repair of the strategic Apongbon Bridge.

  • PFN set to engage Lagos communities on effective governance 

    PFN set to engage Lagos communities on effective governance 

    In a move widely described as a watershed in faith–governance engagement, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State Chapter, has launched a strategic, statewide collaboration to promote accountable leadership, ethical governance, and social development across Lagos.

    The initiative, spearheaded by PFN Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Yemi Davids, alongside the Director of Politics and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Akin Akinpelu, signals a bold and intentional repositioning of the church’s role in public life—from moral commentary to constructive partnership.

    Covering all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, the engagement underscores PFN’s resolve to work directly with grassroots institutions.

    Explaining the vision, Dr. Akin Akinpelu noted that the statewide tour is “transformational, not ceremonial.” 

    He stated that under Pastor David’s leadership, PFN Lagos is being reimagined as a credible bridge between faith-based values and civic administration, with a focus on ethical leadership, community responsibility, and good governance.

    “At the heart of the initiative is the New Dawn Agenda 2025, a strategic framework designed to deepen PFN’s relevance and impact in Lagos State”.

    He posited that the agenda rests on five pillars—reconciliation, relevance, revival, resources, and re-envisioning—aimed at fostering unity among churches, renewing spiritual vitality among leaders, ensuring sustainable resourcing for community impact, and reinforcing accountability, integrity, and character in leadership.

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    He stressed that the church must be recognized as a key stakeholder in nation-building, adding that direct engagement with local government leadership would help promote integrity, service, and excellence in public office, while encouraging mutual accountability between faith leaders and administrators.

    The six-week engagement features structured meetings with Local Government Chairmen, Secretaries to Local Governments, and other stakeholders. During these sessions, PFN will presents its mandate, advocates godly and ethical leadership, and identifies practical areas for collaboration—particularly in welfare delivery, education, peace-building, and social cohesion.

    Akinpelu further opined that the initiative was timely and strategic, especially as grassroots governance increasingly shapes citizens’ daily experiences. By engaging leadership at the closest level to the people, PFN aims to ensure that faith perspectives are constructively represented where policy meets lived reality.

    Akinpelu added that as PFN Lagos intentionally moves “from the church room to the boardroom and the council hall,” the fellowship reinforces its commitment to catalysing positive social change. 

    “The collaboration is expected to deepen church–government relations, open new advocacy channels, and contribute to a more just, accountable, and progressive Lagos State.

  • Lagos govt introduces measles-rubella vaccine for immunisation

    Lagos govt introduces measles-rubella vaccine for immunisation

    The Lagos State government has introduced the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine into the state’s Routine Immunisation Programme in lbeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat.

     The wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Oluremi Hamzat, described the introduction of the vaccine as the vision of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

     In a statement, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Adetayo Akitoye Asagba, said Sanwo-Olu’s wife noted that health, human capital development, social inclusion, and governance remain critical pillars for building an inclusive state.

    Also, Mrs Sanwo-Olu stated that the administration had invested a lot in the sector, leading to improvements in maternal and child health, especially primary healthcare.

    According to her, Asagba said the introduction was timely and aimed at eliminating the disease and prevent disabilities among children.

    The Special adviser to the governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, according to Asagba, noted that the use of the vaccine was vital to securing children.

    “No child in Lagos should suffer or die from diseases that are preventable. This initiative underscores our administration’s commitment to child health, family well-being, and the strengthening of primary health care as the bedrock of a healthy society.” Mrs. Ogunyemi stated.

     On the importance of the initiative, the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, explained that the use of the vaccine marked a shift from reactive response to an outbreak to sustained prevention.

    He said over 10.4 million children aged nine months to 14 years would be reached during the initial mass vaccination phase, after which the vaccine would be fully integrated into routine immunisation at nine months (MR1) and 15 months (MR2).

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    He urged parents to ensure that eligible children were vaccinated, stressing that the initiative aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the administration and the goal of building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Lagos.

     Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for prioritising grassroots healthcare delivery and bringing life-saving interventions closer to communities.

    Dignitaries at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; Permanent Secretary Health District V, Dr Asiyanbi; Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Wahili Olashunkami Rasaki; chiefs; political leaders from Ibeju-Lekki and communities, as well as representatives of development partner organisations, including World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children Funds (UNICEF), CHAI, GAVI and AFENET.

    ‎Others were the Chairman, Lekki Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Kasali, and his wife; Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), and LSPHCB directors.

  • Lagos to drive efficiency, reduce waste

    Lagos to drive efficiency, reduce waste

    Public procurement has been identified as a critical driver of economic growth and social development, with experts stressing that sustainability must take centre stage in government spending decisions.

    In furtherance of this objective, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) has concluded a two-day retreat for officers in the procurement professional cadre, aimed at strengthening sustainable procurement practices across public service.

    The retreat, with the theme: ‘Public Procurement in Lagos State: From Strategic Planning to Sustainability – The Road Map’, was held in Ikeja, and brought together procurement officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Director-General of LSPPA, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, described public procurement as a strategic component of the economy, noting that when properly managed, it could deliver far-reaching economic, environmental and social benefits.

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    He said prevailing resource limitations demanded more strategic decision-making to maximise value for money, stressing that procurement professionals must llace greater emphasis on sustainability, particularly environmental sustainability and the long-term viability of procurement systems and processes.

    “The retreat was designed to reposition the agency and its officers for greater efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery,” Onafowote said. “Procurement practices must evolve to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and address public expectations for transparency and innovation.”

    He urged participants to re-strategise their existing approaches, embrace innovative procurement methods and address public scepticism, noting that sustainability should be deliberately integrated into everyday procurement activities.

    Onafowote assured participants that the sessions were structured to be practical and result-oriented, with the expectation that each officer would return to duty with clear, actionable takeaways that could be immediately applied in their MDAs.

    The Director of Monitoring and Compliance at the Agency, Mrs. Bola Adeniran, encouraged procurement officers to upgrade their skills and adopt modern strategies that would enhance their relevance and effectiveness in the public service.

    She emphasised the need for procurement professionals to embrace technology, uphold excellence and create added value for the profession as a contribution to sustainable economic growth in Lagos State.

    The Head of Procurement Department, Mr. Subair Akintunde, described procurement officers as critical leaders and champions of sustainability within government.

    He said the retreat was organised to re-strategise procurement practices, reinforce commitment to sustainable procurement and deepen understanding of the environmental and social implications of procurement decisions.

    Akintunde added that procurement officers must seek innovative ways to improve efficiency within their MDAs, while safeguarding environmental protection and serving the broader interests of government and society.

    One of the facilitators, Mrs. Cima Sholotan of Harleyreed, challenged participants to take ownership of their professional environment and  consider the social impact of procurement decisions.

    Mr. Ajenifuja Olajide, procurement officer at the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressed the need for procurement practitioners to align their daily activities with the 17 sustainable development goals, noting that harmonising procurement practices with global sustainability targets would help make Lagos State more resilient and future-ready.

  • Lagos partners councils for pilgrims’ medical screening

    Lagos partners councils for pilgrims’ medical screening

    The Lagos State Government has taken medical screening for all intending pilgrims for this year’s Holy pilgrimage exercise in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to local governments and local councils development area.

    Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin in a statement, said the screening is expected to end on Saturday.

    He emphasised that for easy accessibility and operational flexibility, the Local Government Areas were grouped under designated screening sites and health facilities for testing. These include, Agege and Ifako-Ijaiye LGAs (Agege LGA Secretariat/General Hospital,Orile-Agege); Ikeja and Oshodi-Isolo (Ikeja LGA Secretariat/BT Diagnostic Center, LASUTH, Ikeja); Shomolu and Mushin (Mushin LGA Secretariat/Bukyano Medical Diagnostic/BT Diagnostic, LASUTH, Ikeja); Eti-Osa, Epe and Ibeju-Lekki (General Hospital, Ibeju-Lekki) and Badagry and Ojo (General Hospital, Badagry).

    Others are Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa and Ajeromi-Ifelodun (Ajeromi LGA Secretariat/Bukyano Medical Diagnostic); Surulere, Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island (Surulere LGA Secretariat/Bukyano Medical Diagnostic); Ikorodu and Kosofe (Ikorodu LGA Secretariat/GH Ikorodu); Alimosho (Alimosho LGA Secretariat/Bukyano Diagnostic) and Government officials (Adeyemi-Bero/BT Diagnostic LASUTH, Ikeja).

    The Board Secretary appealed to every intending pilgrims to ensure their presence at the exercise, warning that any intending pilgrims that fails to present his/herself for the screening would automatically be denied entry visa by the Saudi embassy.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has appointed Local Government Schedule Officers whose responsibility is to coordinate and see to the welfare of the pilgrims both in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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    The coordinators appointed for coordinating the pilgrims in each of the LGAs are, Sanusi-Alaka Hajara (Agege); Kadiri Kudirat Oluwatoyin (Ajeromi); Bello Aminat Yetunde (Alimosho); Oladipupo Sherifat Abeni (Amuwo-Odofin); Mumeen Rabiu Adebayo (Apapa); Gafar Mojeed (Badagry); Gatta Tajudeen Abiola (Epe/Eti-Osa); Adeoye Rohimot (Ifako-Ijaiye); Ige Rasaq Kolade (Ikeja) and Murtador Morenikeji Saudat (Officials).

    Others include, Shitta Riskat (Ikorodu); Hassan Sikirat Temitope (Kosofe); Lawal Abubakar Abolore (Lagos Island); Muhammed Rukayat (Lagos Mainland); Oshile Mudirat Bukola (Mushin); Akinyemi Suraju (Ojo); Famosa Olabisi Ibironke (Oshodi-Isolo); Coker Esther (Shomolu); Ganiu Ridwan Abiola (Surulere) and Hassan Taofeek (JAIZ/NIA/ROYAL).

    Ajomagberin who stated that the appointment was approved by the Commissioner for Home Affairs,  Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a scheduled meeting with the coordinators at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, added that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe was also present at the meeting.

    He urged the Schedule Officers to show utmost commitment to the assignment by ensuring that the pilgrims enjoy their deserved comfort before and during the spiritual exercise, stressing that the State Government is very passionate about providing the pilgrims with the enabling and conducive environment to actualise their dreams of fulfilling the spiritual obligation and would therefore not condone any untoward or unlawful acts that could derail the commitment.

  • Lagos taskforce impounds 134 motorcycles, vows crackdown on restricted routes

    Lagos taskforce impounds 134 motorcycles, vows crackdown on restricted routes

    The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its clampdown on illegal commercial motorcycle operations, impounding 134 motorcycles during coordinated enforcement exercises carried out across key parts of the state.

    The operations, conducted in two phases early in the day, were aimed at curbing traffic violations, restoring order on major roads, and addressing security concerns linked to unlawful okada activities. 

    According to the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the second phase followed an earlier morning exercise, underscoring the agency’s resolve to sustain pressure on defaulters.

    He said, “The twin operations covered several strategic locations across the State, including Obalende, Falomo Underbridge, Coastal Road, CMS Roundabout on Lagos Island, 2nd Rainbow, Mile 2 Bridge, Five Star, Ladipo Bus Stop, and Cele Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.”

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    He noted that during the exercise, some commercial motorcycle operators were found plying restricted routes, obstructing traffic flow, and constituting a nuisance on major highways and adjoining roads.

    The agency stated that a total of 134 commercial motorcycles were impounded, and sanity was restored across all affected areas. 

    The taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement activities until full compliance is achieved.

  • 103-year-old woman dies in Lagos fire outbreak

    103-year-old woman dies in Lagos fire outbreak

    A 103-year-old woman died in a fire outbreak at a residential building in the Oyingbo area of Lagos.

    The incident occurred at No. 8, Bola Street, off Kadara Street where a fire reportedly started in one of the rooms before spreading to other parts of the building.

    Confirming the incident in a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency received a distress call through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines around 11:43 a.m.

    According to him, LASEMA immediately activated the state’s emergency response plan from its Onipanu Base, with its response team arriving at the scene at about 12:13 p.m.

    He said officials met a residential bungalow with two attached shops already engulfed in flames on arrival.

    Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the inferno affected eight room-and-parlour apartments, one mini-flat, a self-contained apartment, six shops and several household items, with losses estimated at millions of naira.

    He added that the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

    The LASEMA boss said emergency responders conducted a risk assessment, cordoned off the area and implemented necessary safety measures to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings.

    He noted that the fire was eventually brought under control, while the remains of the deceased were recovered and handed over to her family.

    Oke-Osanyintolu commended the combined efforts of LASEMA officials, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and officials of the Lagos Mainland Local Government for their swift and coordinated response to the incident.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, Osoba, others celebrate ex-Lagos First Lady at 70

    Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, Osoba, others celebrate ex-Lagos First Lady at 70

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Oyo State counterpart, Engr Seyi Makinde; and former governors Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), joined other dignitaries to celebrate the former First Lady of Ogun, Ondo and Lagos states, Senator Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, on her 70th birthday.

    The dignitaries paid glowing tributes to the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism and wife of former Military Governor of Ogun, Ondo and Lagos states, Brigadier-General Raji Rasaki (rtd), during a thanksgiving service and the unveiling of her foundation held in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The event, which also marked the golden jubilee of her marriage, attracted former and serving political leaders, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and captains of industry.

    In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Senator Raji-Rasaki, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, as a dedicated public servant with a passion for empowering the less privileged through her foundation.

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    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the celebrant for her efforts in empowering women and strengthening families, noting that strong families remain the bedrock of a resilient society.

    Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the former First Lady for her sacrifices and service to Lagos State and Nigeria, lauding her contributions to governance, politics and community development. He described her as a trailblazer whose commitment to fairness, inclusion and development has left a lasting impact.

    Speaking at the event, Senator Raji-Rasaki thanked God for sparing her life to attain the age of 70 and appreciated Nigerians for celebrating with her. She pledged to continue giving back to society through selfless service.

    Supported by her husband, Brigadier-General Raji Rasaki (rtd), the celebrant reflected on God’s grace, mercy and guidance in shaping her life, marriage and public service career.

    “God’s love paved the way for my calling and career. By divine guidance, He positioned me in leadership and political service, not for personal gain, but as a platform to serve humanity and be a voice for positive change,” she said.

  • Lagos lost 133 lives, N19.72bn property, recorded 1,685 fire incidents in 2025

    Lagos lost 133 lives, N19.72bn property, recorded 1,685 fire incidents in 2025

    No fewer than 133 lives and property valued at N19.72 billion were lost to fire outbreaks in Lagos State in 2025, the State Government has disclosed.

    The figure represents an increase compared to 2024 when 91 lives and property worth N19.52 billion were lost to fire incidents across the State.

    The latest statistics were contained in the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service 2025 Activity Report, released at the Y2026 Staff Engagement themed “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,” held at Alausa, Ikeja.

    According to the report, the service received a total of 2,617 emergency calls during the period under review, out of which 645 were false alarms. A total of 1,685 fire incidents were recorded, with 473 victims rescued alive, while property valued at N118.32 billion was saved.

    The report further revealed that fire prevention activities recorded 8,791 facility inspections, 7,997 safety certificates issued, and 90 advisory reports generated in the course of the year.

    The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said that despite the notable achievements, the service continued to grapple with operational challenges, including frequent false calls and inadequate water supply during emergency responses.

    She noted that the theme of the engagement aptly captured the critical pillars of effective emergency response and public safety, stressing that the forum provided an opportunity to reflect on past efforts, assess operational performance, and renew commitment to excellence.

    “Our people remain our greatest asset; preparedness is the backbone of our operational effectiveness; and service delivery is the ultimate measure of our impact on the lives and property of Lagosians,” she said.

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    She explained that the programme was designed to strengthen capacity, enhance professionalism, and promote a proactive approach to fire prevention, emergency response, and disaster risk reduction through continuous training and strategic engagement.

    Adeseye also commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for its unwavering support, particularly the recent signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into law, which she described as a historic milestone that would strengthen the institutional framework and enhance operational efficiency.

    She reaffirmed the service’s commitment to building “a safer, more resilient, and fire-conscious Lagos State where prevention is prioritised, response is swift, and service delivery remains people-centred and impactful.”

    The engagement featured presentations, interactive discussions, and experience-sharing sessions aimed at improving fire risk management and operational preparedness. It also witnessed the decoration of newly promoted officers and the presentation of awards to deserving personnel.