Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has rewarded 149 firefighters with N14.9 million for their swift response to Saturday’s fire outbreak at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Zulum made the donation during a thank-you visit to the headquarters of the fire service in Maiduguri on Sunday.

The governor stated that the visit was in recognition of the swift response by the firefighters, who put out a fire outbreak at the Gamboru market in Maiduguri.

He said their effective service delivery prevented the destruction from escalating to the magnitude witnessed two weeks ago at the Maiduguri Monday market.

Governor Zulum told the firefighters that he was impressed with their gallantry and for that he approved the release of N14.9 million as grants to about 149 firemen operating under both the federal and state fire services.

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“I am here purposely to convey my deep appreciation to all of you for the great work you have been doing. Yesterday (Saturday) we had another fire disaster at Gamboru market and I was informed of your efforts towards quenching the fire.

“This goes to show how committed you are and we want to once again extend our appreciation to you,” Zulum said.

The beneficiaries comprised 60 firemen working with Borno State Government, 49 working with the Federal Fire Service, and 38 volunteer firefighters.

Zulum directed that each of the 149 firemen be given N100,000 and a bag of rice as part of appreciation from the Borno State Government.

Meanwhile, the governor during his visit, ordered the employment of 38 volunteer firemen in the Borno State Fire Service as permanent staff.

The volunteers, 20 of them with the Maiduguri International Hotel and 18 with the state fire service, were offering support services without receiving salaries which permanent staff are entitled to.

Governor Zulum also directed the management of the state Fire Service to immediately submit all their requirements that would ensure the optimal performance of firefighters in prevention and responses to fire incidents to his office for approval.

Zulum further extended a similar gesture to the Federal Fire Service, urging them to submit requirements in order to get some intervention from the state government.

The Star