Port Harcourt, Rivers State – A potential catastrophe was narrowly avoided at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex earlier today when a fire broke out on the ground floor of the Podium Block. The inferno, which occurred near the close of work when most staff had departed, was swiftly contained and extinguished through the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency response teams.
The State Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Inyingi Brown, confirmed that there were no casualties in the incident. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the fire was brought under control, Dr. Brown praised the prompt and decisive action of the responding agencies.
“We were informed of a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of the Podium Block and immediately made calls to the River State Fire Service,” Dr. Brown stated. “They responded promptly, alongside our partners, including the Federal Fire Service, Renaissance, and the military, who all quickly deployed their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and the fire has been successfully contained.”
Dr. Brown specifically credited the recent investment in the state’s emergency services by Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara as a critical factor in the successful containment.
“We thank God, and we thank His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the Fire Service before this time,” she said. “If not for his investment in the fire service not long after assuming office in 2023, this situation would have been much worse.”
While preliminary reports point to an electrical fault as the likely cause of the fire, the HoS issued a strong admonition to all civil servants regarding workplace safety protocols, particularly concerning the state’s older, heritage structures.
“We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for safety. Put off our sockets and our lights. Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug them to ensure there is no residual charge because these buildings are heritage buildings, and we don’t want anything to happen to them,” Dr. Brown emphasized.
Dr. Brown concluded by assuring the public that Governor Fubara is actively working on comprehensive measures to refurbish the aging secretariat buildings, with details expected to be announced soon. The NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion, including schools, health centres, roads, and vocational centres.
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