Shehu made the call while delivering the opening remarks at a fire safety training organised for staff of the Commission at the M.B. Shehu Auditorium, RMAFC Headquarters, Abuja.
The Chairman, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Commission, Comrade Tosin Johnson Adeyanjo, emphasised the importance of equipping personnel with the knowledge and practical skills required to prevent and respond appropriately to fire emergencies.
He noted that fire incidents could occur unexpectedly and, if not properly managed, could result in significant loss of lives and property.
According to him, the training was designed to strengthen the ability of staff to recognise potential fire hazards, respond promptly during emergencies and adopt preventive measures both at the workplace and in their homes.
He urged participants to take the lessons from the training seriously and incorporate fire safety practices into their daily activities.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play in preventing fire outbreaks and responding appropriately when they occur,” he said.
Shehu further reiterated the Commission's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure working environment for its personnel.
He therefore advised staff to remain vigilant, particularly when using electrical appliances, handling combustible materials and observing established emergency procedures.
The Chairman stressed that preventing fire incidents required constant awareness and responsible conduct, noting that simple safety measures could significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks and limit their consequences when they occur.
Speaking at the event, the Director, Technical Services Department of the Commission, Mr. Osanyamen Olaye, who organised the training, said the initiative was aimed at equipping staff with practical knowledge of fire prevention, emergency response and workplace safety.
Olaye observed that many fire disasters could be prevented when individuals were adequately informed, properly prepared and conscious of potential hazards in their environment.
He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to promoting a safety-conscious workplace and ensuring that its personnel possessed the knowledge required to prevent and respond effectively to fire emergencies.
The Director encouraged participants to pay close attention to the training and share the knowledge acquired with colleagues in their respective departments.
He explained that the objective of the exercise went beyond creating awareness, as the Commission also sought to develop a workforce capable of responding appropriately and responsibly during emergencies.
The training was conducted by officials of the Federal Fire Service, who took participants through various aspects of fire safety, including the causes and classification of fire outbreaks, preventive measures, safe evacuation procedures and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers.
The trainers also educated participants on the fire triangle — heat, fuel and oxygen — explaining that removing any one of the three elements could help to extinguish a fire.
Emphasis was also placed on good housekeeping practices, the responsible use of electrical appliances, proper storage of flammable and combustible materials, as well as the regular inspection and maintenance of fire safety equipment.
Staff were cautioned against attempting to fight fires that had progressed beyond the incipient stage, particularly where doing so could endanger their lives.
Instead, participants were advised to prioritise their safety, evacuate immediately when necessary and contact the Fire Service for professional assistance.
The training also featured practical demonstrations on different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate applications.
Participants were taken through the proper use of fire safety equipment and guided on the importance of identifying emergency exits and maintaining clear evacuation routes within the workplace.
The practical component further provided staff with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with appropriate responses to fire emergencies and the steps to take before professional emergency responders arrive.
Some participants who spoke with journalists commended the Commission for organising the training, describing it as timely and beneficial.
They expressed their readiness to apply the knowledge acquired and share the lessons with colleagues, family members and others within their communities.
The event was witnessed by the Deputy Director, Technical Services Department, Mr. Okon Ante, and the Deputy Director, Administration, Mr. Ebenezer Jaiye Igbekele, among other officials of the Commission.