The Lagos State Government has inaugurated the Fire Marshal Club alongside a Safety Walk initiative aimed at strengthening community participation in fire prevention and emergency response across the state.
The event commenced with a Safety Walk from the Service Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, through Ikeja Fire Station, and back to the Headquarters through different routes. The exercise was designed to raise public awareness and emergency preparedness on fire safety while promoting proactive community engagement.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, noted that while fire and related incidents in Lagos State remain a concern, there has been a slight reduction in cases recorded between 2024 and 2025.
She emphasized that, although fire outbreaks cannot be completely eradicated due to various contributing factors, they can be reduced to the barest minimum through collective responsibility, strict adherence to safety regulations, and enhanced community involvement.
According to her, the Fire Marshal system is a voluntary community-based service recognized globally as an effective approach to fire prevention. She expressed confidence that the establishment of Fire Marshal Clubs across commercial centers, markets, and communities in Lagos State will significantly improve emergency preparedness and response.
“As we inaugurate them, we will provide adequate training and empower them with the knowledge required to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately in emergency situations. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to achieve a significant reduction in fire incidents across the state,” she stated.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Mr. Femi Giwa, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in emergency management, in line with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He explained that once fully constituted and trained, members of the Fire Marshal Club will serve as critical links between their communities and emergency responders, particularly through the use of designated toll-free emergency lines to report fire incidents promptly.
In his remarks, health, safety and environment expert and advocate, Dr. Julius Akpong, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic support system for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the State Government. He noted that research indicates that approximately 80 percent of fire incidents and accidents are caused by unsafe human actions, stressing the need for continuous public education and behavioral change.
The inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club marks a significant milestone in the State Government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding lives and property through preventive measures, community partnership, and improved emergency response systems.
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