Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has lauded the bravery of Higher Superintendent Oluwasola Osho and his team from the state fire service for their swift response in extinguishing a fire at a filling station in Ado Ekiti last week.
The governor made an unscheduled visit on Sunday to Osho’s residence in the Dalimore area of Ado Ekiti to check on the firefighter, who sustained injuries during the operation and had been hospitalised.
Overwhelmed with emotion at the visit, Osho and his wife expressed their gratitude as Oyebanji commended the firefighter’s courage and dedication during a 20-minute interaction.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Governor Oyebanji praised Osho and his team for their gallantry, describing their swift response as critical in averting a major disaster.
“I came here for two reasons, to thank one of our gallant firefighters, who is a staff of Ekiti State Fire Service, Higher Superintendent Osho, who got injured while responding to an emergency fire incident at a filling station. With that singular act, they saved many lives, investments, and a lot of properties,” the governor said.
He continued, “But in the course of that, he was injured and was rushed to the hospital. I was out of the state then, but I was monitoring his recovery. So, I just came here today to confirm the report I got that he is responding to treatment, and I am happy he’s recuperating well. I am here to also thank him on behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State for making us proud.”
Oyebanji attributed the effectiveness of the fire service’s response to his administration’s investment in firefighting equipment and the revamping of the agency. He highlighted ongoing training programs for fire service staff and the deployment of fire trucks across the state’s senatorial districts to ensure swift responses to emergencies.
“Our investment in emergency services, such as the fire service, is part of a broader strategy to create a safe and thriving environment for all,” Oyebanji said.
In his response, Osho expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s visit and the support he and his team received from the state government.
Describing the visit as a morale booster, Osho reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and properties. He added that the incident has only strengthened his resolve to serve the state.
