Enugu State Government has distributed welding and vulcanizing machines donated to the state government by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to blacksmiths at Coal Camp Enugu, and Vulcanizers in some parts of the state capital to assist them in their business.
The Vulcanizing machines were distributed on Monday to selected Vulcanizers whose machines were faulty while the welding machines were distributed on Wednesday to Blacksmiths at Coal Camp through balloting.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by the Deputy governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, said that the machines were donated to the state government by NIMASA and that the governor in his magnanimity and care for the poor, directed that the equipment be donated to artisans in Coal Camp, Enugu, to assist them in their business.
The deputy governor told members of the Blacksmith technical union that Ugwuanyi did not only direct that the machines be given out; he also urged them to ensure that the working equipment got to the actual people that use them in their day to day activities.
She urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the machines. To those who did not win in the balloting, Ezeilo urged them to exercise patience and accept it in good faith since the exercise was transparent.
Speaking, the Chairman of Tricycle Riders Association in Enugu State and Senior Special Assistant to the governor on transport, Benjamin Ikah, commended Ugwuanyi for empowering the artisans. He said that the gesture “demonstrates the governor’s interest in the welfare of the lowly in the society”.
He said that the beneficiaries emerged transparently. He charged them to put the machines to good use and always remember the governor in their prayers.
In interviews, the beneficiaries thanked Ugwuanyi for his benevolence and commitment to their welfare. They promised to utilize the equipment to serve the public effectively and enhance their fortune.
The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs Nkechi Eneh and some SEMA staff accompanied the Deputy governor to the event.
Meanwhile, the state government, in conjunction with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu also organised a one-day safety workshop for security and staff of the institute.
Speaking at the event which was held at the auditorium of the Institute on Tuesday, the Chief Fire Officer, Enugu State Fire Service, Engr Okwudiri Ohaa, said that the workshop was organised in line with the state governor’s agenda to protect the state.
“We are here to educate you on the likely causes of fire , tips on how to prevent fire outbreak and what to do in case the unfortunate incident occurs.
“The need for this lecture cannot be over emphasised considering the fact that IMT had tested the furry of fire when she lost millions of naira worth of properties and of course cannot over look the dangers associated with fire “, he said.
Ohaa hinted that “considering the unstable and dwindling nature of our economy, it is very important that one should hold unto what he/she has and protect them as much as possible . ”
He noted that tertiary institution is not a small firm.” IMT whose advent was dated as far back as 1973, has gathered for herself so many values of national importance , documentations of interest , fine arts ancient and modern structures , which the government of Enugu state and it’s citizens are proud of .Hence the need for us to join hands and protect what we have jealously.”
He described the lecture as apt. “The time of this lecture for me is appropriate as insecurity is now , the order of the day.”
Ohaa said that most fire outbreaks were as a result of unsafe acts on the side of the public,which includes our actions and inactions. “Many schools don’t have fire extinguishers, while for the few that has it, many staff and students don’t know how to operate them.”
The chief fire officer was optimistic that with collective efforts, through total compliance to the fire safety tips as stipulated by Enugu state fire service and support of the state government , “we shall achieve zero fire outbreak in our tertiary institutions.”
He commended Ugwuanyi for his laudable achievements in the area of fire safety.
Ohaa highlighted the achievements of the state government to include, establishment of five new ultra modern fire stations across the three senatorial zones of the state in 2018 after 56 years, recruitment of 67 fire fighters between 2016 and 2019 to boost the work force of the state fire service.
Others are sponsoring of the chief fire officer for training abroad at fire service college Motern , Mash, London, UK in 2019, sponsoring of five fire officers to a national fire conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, installation of fire extinguishers of various types and sizes in over 24 major markets in Enugu state and other fire prone locations, procurement of five new trucks for the new five fire stations, provision of boreholes at Orba, Ogurute, Oji River, Ozalla, and Udi fire stations, provision of five new rapid respond fire fighting vehicles for Enugu state fire service among others.
In a welcome address, Director of Works, IMT, Dr. Charles Aja, said the programme was first of its kind in IMT. He urged the participants to take advantage of the programme to save property and life
In an interview, the Rector of IMT, Professor Uche Nweze, said that after the fire oubreak that destroyed some parts of the school some years back, the school management deemed it fit to organise a safety workshop for security and works staff.
He said that the training will be a continous exercise. “The rector said that the students and other will be trained later and that the days will be extended from one day to one week.
The theme of the workshop is ,”Fire safety management in higher institutions”.
Lectures were given on “Caused of fire and fire prevention, Fire safety tips, how to use fire extinguisher and practical demonstration.
