Olumode Adeyemi, controller-general of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), returned to his home state of Kogi during Easter in a cavalcade.
In an X post, the FFS shared that “CGF Olumode Samuel Adeyemi returns home to Kogi, receives royal blessings, as stakeholders commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and call for stronger fire safety. Fire station in Kabba underway”.
In a press statement, the service said Adeyemi, who was decorated as fire service CG on August 14, 2025, undertook a series of visits across the state, including courtesy calls on traditional rulers and a grand reception in Kabba.
During the visit, Adeyemi met with Muyiwa Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa; Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, the Maigari of Lokoja; and traditional rulers in Odo-Ape, his hometown, where he was received “amidst cultural displays, drumming, and royal prayers for a successful tenure”.
The delegation also visited Solomon Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba, before proceeding to a reception at the Olonijola Event Centre, which was attended by dignitaries including Joel Salifu Oyibo, Kogi deputy governor, who represented the state governor Usman Ododo, Durosinmi Meseko, APC national deputy secretary, and Ibrahim Alhaji Liman, former FFS controller-general.
According to the statement, the deputy governor and monarchs appreciated Tinubu for “deeming Olumode Samuel Adeyemi fit for the position of Controller General of the Federal Fire Service”.
“Stakeholders used the occasion to advocate for strengthened fire safety infrastructure in the state. The Maigari of Lokoja called for the establishment of a National Fire Training School in Kogi State, while the Obaro of Kabba appealed for the siting of a Fire Station in Kabba, the headquarters of Kogi West,” the statement reads.
Responding, Adeyemi said the service is “already working towards establishing a Fire Station in Kabba to address the recurring fire incidents in the area”, while seeking “continued prayers, support, and collaboration”.
Video of the CG riding into town in a convoy — complete with outriders — has elicited reactions on social media, with several Nigerians questioning priorities in a country facing gaps in emergency response infrastructure.
On X, a user, @laplace_bopm, wrote: “No wonder, there is no water in ur station, u all use ur lean resources to fund the lifestyle of ur bosses. Imagine, ordinary fire service in convoy with attack vehicles that is needed against Islamic terrorists.”
Another user, @TheOmegaM, described the development as a flagrant waste of taxpayers’ money”.
“A country that lacks basic amenities and has the head of the Fire Service moving around like an emperor shows a complete lack of focus,” the user wrote.
Also reacting, @Bashir GS said: “Imagine displaying such nonsense in a country where we don’t have enough fire service stations. These are misplaced priorities.”
Similarly, @Napp06 criticised the show of force, saying: “I can’t believe the page of the the federal fire service of Nigeria that’s non-existence in major cities across the country is recording such show of force and importance with public funds. Everything is just anyhowness.”
