As part of efforts to promote a culture of safety and emergency readiness within the state’s public service, the Delta State Government has commenced a comprehensive two-day fire safety training workshop for ministerial safety officers stationed across the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the State Secretariat.
The workshop, which is being held at the Secretariat complex in Asaba, aims to equip government employees with the necessary skills to prevent, manage, and respond to fire incidents and other emergency situations in their respective offices.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr. Funyei Manager, noted that the training reflects the government’s renewed commitment to creating a secure and conducive working environment for all employees. He emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures and the need for a structured and strategic emergency response mechanism.
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According to Mr. Manager, each office within the Secretariat must now designate a trained fire safety officer who will take charge during emergencies, coordinate evacuations, and ensure that staff adhere to safety protocols. He expressed concern over the general complacency displayed by some workers during emergency drills or when fire alarms go off. “We can no longer afford to ignore these warning signals. The safety of every staff member is a top priority, and we must begin to treat fire drills and safety alerts with the seriousness they deserve,” he said.
He added that the goal of the training was not only to protect government assets but, more importantly, to safeguard the lives of workers who spend a significant portion of their day in the Secretariat and other government facilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Etagherure Terry, reiterated the significance of safety awareness, noting that everyone must play an active role in promoting safety at work and beyond. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “It is not limited to government officials, security personnel, or fire service officers alone. Every individual has a role to play, whether at home, in the community, or within the workplace.”
Mr. Terry encouraged the participants to share the knowledge and safety practices learned during the workshop with colleagues, friends, family members, and neighbors, thereby extending the impact of the training beyond the confines of government offices. He stressed the importance of continuous learning and regular drills, which help reinforce preparedness and eliminate panic during real emergencies.
The training, which includes both theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations, covers topics such as the proper use of fire extinguishers, identification of fire hazards, evacuation protocols, emergency communication procedures, and first-aid response.
In addition, the Director of Special Projects, Mr. Emmanuel Siakpere, addressed lingering concerns about poor network connectivity within the Secretariat. He explained that the issue stems from infrastructure challenges that the government is currently working to resolve. “We understand how critical reliable network access is for the smooth operation of government activities,” he said. “Rest assured that steps are being taken to upgrade our ICT systems and ensure that the Secretariat operates with greater efficiency and productivity.”
The workshop is expected to conclude with an assessment exercise to evaluate participants’ understanding of the material covered. Certificates of participation will be awarded to those who successfully complete the training.
The Delta State Government, through this initiative, continues to demonstrate its commitment to not only infrastructural development but also to human capacity building and institutional safety, setting a standard for public sector safety management across the region.
