By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

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Residents of the Ondo community have commended the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his swift response in providing a firetruck to combat fire outbreaks in the kingdom.

In separate interviews with The Hope, they described the gesture as commendable and laudable.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Mobilisation, Hon. Olayinka Olakanmi, said that a functional Fire Service offers numerous advantages to communities by protecting lives and property from fire, ensuring rapid response times, and facilitating rescue operations.

“A functional firetruck transports firefighters and equipment, ensuring efficient fire suppression. In addition, it can improve community health and safety by reducing emissions and enhancing communication.

“Special thanks to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for this kind gesture towards the people of Ondo East and West Federal Constituency in safeguarding lives and property,” he said.

He urged the people to be more conscious of objects that could trigger fire outbreaks.

Also, Comrade Lucaskakaki Famakinwa appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing firetrucks for Ondo West and East Local Government areas.

“As a concerned citizen of the kingdom, we were worried that the firetrucks approved by the Ondo State Government months ago did not arrive on time, causing us to record more fire outbreaks without a means to avert the unfortunate incidents.

“Between January and May 2025, Ondo Kingdom recorded about seven serious fire incidents, which led to the destruction of lives and property.

“It is important we appreciate the ‘Talk and Do’ Governor—a leader par excellence and a lover of youths—for saying YES to our requests. Thank you, sir. This gesture has motivated us. We will do more, and we will ask for more,” he said.

Famakinwa, who is the President of Ekimogun Youths Connect, also commended Dr. Femi Akinkuebi for volunteering to sponsor a water source to support the activities of the Fire Service in Ondo.

“After receiving the firetruck recently commissioned by His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, we held a meeting with the management and staff of the Ondo Fire Service where we discussed concerns and challenges peculiar to their office.

“One of the major challenges is the lack of a constant and reliable source of water. The former borehole had collapsed, and it is only when a new borehole is constructed that the community can be assured of an effective firefighting service.

“We quickly contacted an Ondo-born industrialist and philanthropist, Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, who immediately ordered that an engineer be taken to the site and that work should begin without delay.”

A resident, Tobiloba Ajayi, said the firetruck would enhance the safety of lives and property. He urged all levels of government to put proper structures in place to ensure all sectors function effectively.

“If all sectors are properly structured, both Ondo and Nigeria as a whole will benefit. The firetrucks have now been provided; the government should also improve the welfare of the firefighters to ensure their efficiency,” he added.