…Moves to grant State Fire Service greater autonomy
As a quick reaction to the fire incident that wreaked havoc, last Wednesday, at Upper Iweka area of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano has moved in to mitigate the loss of victims of the incident.
The governor has directed the immediate opening of a dedicated account to assist the fire victims.
In a release issued on Thursday by Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, Don Adinuba, a copy of which was made available to the Nigeria Xpress, it said that Governor Obiano has launched an account known as the Anambra State Victims Support Account.
READ ALSO: http://Buhari approves N10bn for rehabilitation of Enugu Airport
The statement read, “Since the fire of Wednesday, October 16, 2019, which occurred when a tanker laden with petrol fell on Upper Iweka in Onitsha and led to a fire that spread up to Ochanja Market through the open drainage, a lot of people have been seeking from the government how they can assist the victims.
“The government is grateful to these people and many others who are moved by the tragedy. Truly, we are brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
“Governor Willie Obiano has, therefore, opened a bank account to assist the fire victims. It is known as the Anambra State Victims Support Account. The account number is 5030105029, Fidelity Bank PLC.
“It is to be administered by the distinguished sons and daughters of our state who serve as trustees of the Anambra State Security Trust Fund led by Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, MFR, Chairman of Chisco Group.
“All Anambra
indigenes, friends, in laws and well wishers are encouraged to give generously
to our brothers and sisters who are now all of a sudden in dire need of
assistance. Let us demonstrate, once more, our famed abundance of
humanism.”|
It was also said that Governor Obiano has initiated a move to grant the Anambra
State Fire Service greater autonomy.
“Subject to approval by the Anambra State House of Assembly, the law setting up the state Fire Service will be amended to make it independent of the state Ministry of Public Utilities or any other ministry.
“The autonomy will free it from unnecessary bureaucratic encumbrances and enable it to respond more effectively to the challenges of its mandate.
“Consequently, the agency will have as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi, mni, who is currently the Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Creative Security as well as Coordinator of the Anambra State Integrated Security System.
“Once again, Governor Obiano and, indeed, the entire Anambra State Government thank all Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari, for their solidarity since the fire of October 16. Anambra State will always be the Light of the nation,” the statement read.
