Asset Recovery Adviser Inspects Fire Service Assets, Assures Full Restoration
By Ebi COLLINS
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu–led administration to fully restore emergency fire services across Cross River State, beginning with the Calabar operational base.
Leading members of the Asset Management and Recovery Committee on an on-the-spot inspection of the State Fire Service Headquarters in Calabar, Barr. Agbor thanked Governor Otu for approving the comprehensive restoration of fire service operations, describing it as a timely intervention.
He explained that once restored, operational bases across the state would be adequately equipped to respond to fire emergencies, particularly with the dry season approaching. To ensure accountability, he disclosed that all Fire Service assets, both old and new, would be properly profiled by the Asset Management and Recovery Office.
“The Otu administration is fully committed to maintaining and recovering all government-owned assets within and outside the state,” Agbor said, directing the Fire Service to submit a comprehensive list of its assets within two weeks for inclusion in the state’s asset inventory.
He further charged the Fire Service to make judicious use of rehabilitated facilities and procured equipment, assuring that follow-up inspections would be conducted in collaboration with the service to track progress and report directly to the Governor.
During the inspection, the State Director of Fire Service, Mr. Emmanuel Ajom, led the team round the facility along Mary Slessor Avenue, where several trucks were undergoing heavy maintenance by engineers in readiness for emergency operations. The committee also assessed buildings under redesignation, reconstruction, and renovation, tailored to meet international best practices in fire response.
Mr. Ajom commended Governor Otu for what he described as an unprecedented intervention in strengthening the state’s fire service after more than 20 years of neglect by successive administrations. He expressed appreciation to the government for prioritizing the sector and appealed for speedy completion of the project to curb incessant fire outbreaks in Calabar and its environs.
