Asaba, Delta State — In a bold move to enhance workplace safety and protect lives and property within the Delta State Central Secretariat, the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Special Projects kicked off a two-day fire safety training workshop for ministerial safety officers on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The event is taking place at the State Central Secretariat Complex in Asaba.
The workshop, which brought together selected safety officers from all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the Secretariat, aims to improve emergency preparedness and establish a coordinated response strategy in the event of fire or other emergencies.
Why the Workshop Was Initiated
While delivering his opening address, the Honourable Commissioner for Special Projects, Hon. Barr. Funyei Manager, highlighted a previous incident that inspired the training. He recounted a minor fire outbreak in the Secretariat last year caused by an air conditioning unit that triggered the fire alarm. Despite the alarm, many workers remained seated in their offices, showing what he described as a “lackadaisical attitude” toward the alert.
“Last year, an AC caught fire, and although it seemed minor, the general indifference shown by people in the Secretariat was alarming. People just stayed in their offices, ignoring the fire alarm. That attitude could be dangerous in a real emergency. Lives are more precious than this building,” he said.
Hon. Manager emphasized that safety begins with individuals and that each office must now designate a trained fire safety officer to coordinate evacuations when alarms are triggered. He added that this workshop was organized after consultations with the Director of Special Projects, Mr. Emmanuel Siakpere, who shared concerns about the Secretariat’s level of emergency preparedness.
“We even conducted unannounced fire drills last year, evacuating everyone from the Secretariat, including the Olorogun Felix Ibru annex, just to assess response time. The result showed we needed improvement. That’s why this training is important,” he explained.
New Strategy: Designated Fire Safety Officers for Every MDA
Going forward, every office within the Secretariat will have a trained fire safety officer. These officers will be responsible for:
- Ensuring quick evacuation of staff during emergencies.
- Educating colleagues on fire safety measures.
- Assisting in the coordination of responses during emergencies.
- Preventing staff from gathering in risky areas like under canopies during fire incidents.
“In fire emergencies, you don’t run around trying to save others at the expense of your life. That’s why it’s risky for officials to move around during a fire trying to evacuate everyone. If each MDA has a safety officer, evacuations can be more orderly and safe,” Hon. Manager added.
He closed his speech by officially declaring the training workshop open and urging participants to take it seriously.
Commissioner for Bureau for Special Duties Stresses Collective Responsibility
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Etagherure Ejiro Terry, stressed that safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of government officials or fire service personnel.
“Whether it’s fire, flood, or any kind of emergency, even if it doesn’t affect you directly, it still hurts. That’s why we must all be proactive. Be attentive in this training, because the knowledge you gain will also help your home and community,” he advised.
He urged participants to not only apply what they learn in their offices but also share the information with family members and neighbors, saying, “No wisdom is wasted.”
Director of Special Projects Emphasizes Preparedness
The Director of Special Projects, Mr. Emmanuel Siakpere, who coordinated the training, explained that the program is designed to prepare officers to act as safety representatives in their various ministries.
“They will serve as the Honourable Commissioner’s eyes and ears in each ministry when it comes to safety. Their duty is to help monitor, educate, and respond appropriately during emergencies,” Mr. Siakpere stated.
He further noted that the training will help maintain the Secretariat and its facilities in proper working condition, adding that continuous awareness and preparedness can prevent disasters before they occur.
Network Challenges in the Secretariat
When asked about the persistent issue of poor internet connectivity within the Secretariat, Mr. Siakpere explained that the structure of the building is a major challenge.
“The building is enclosed and covered with Aleco board, which affects network signal. However, efforts are being made to improve connectivity. Glo has just activated a new mast, and both MTN and Airtel are also working to boost service. In the coming weeks, network access should significantly improve,” he assured.
Looking Ahead
The two-day workshop is expected to end on Thursday, June 26, 2025, with participants fully equipped to serve as fire safety officers within their MDAs. This initiative reflects the state government’s renewed commitment to safety and emergency preparedness across its administrative infrastructure.
The Delta State Government continues to prioritize not just the functionality of its public buildings, but the protection of the lives that work within them — an effort that, according to officials, must involve everyone.
