By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
AT the inauguration of a Fire Academy on Monday, Principal and Chief Executive of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Dr Henry Adebowale Adimula, posited that fire-fighting is an untapped and under-explored industry that requires high investment in Nigeria.
Dr Henry Adebowale Adimula inspecting the trainees
He said given its unquantifiable societal relevance, the institute has decided to establish a Fire Academy, and, therefore, solicited support of all stakeholders to make the institute’s academy to help redress the lacuna.
The free academy building
Speaking further at the inauguration of the academy at PTI Osubi campus on Monday, Dr Adimula, said the academy was part of PTI’s drive to diversify through churning out professionals in fire-fighting, prevention and other fire-related issues, for domestic and industrial advantages.
According to him, the academy was conceived 15 years ago and structure built 13 years ago, but dragged due to lack of funds to complete the buildings and provide basic equipment required for its take-off.
He said after much delays, the academy eventually came to fruition to coincide with the 50th anniversary of PTI after he opted to think out of the box to partner with Delmatic Nigeria Ltd.
Cutting of tape
The Kwara-born academic said the purpose of the academy, therefore, “is to impact knowledge through the training of skilled, competent personnel across various industries who will be well equipped with the proficiency of extinguishing fire and rescue service in order to protect lives and properties in the event of any fire outbreak.
“Our desire is to focus on building a structured academy that looks into all aspects of fire prevention and control, fire fighting and the business aspect of fire fighting and management.”
According to him, the vision of the academy is not only to focused on hydrocarbon and domestic fire-fighting, but to provide entrants hands-on learning experience structured to provide entrants to trainees with a stable career path in fire fighting in all areas at times.
Dr Henry Adebowale Adimula PTI boss middle
Coordinator of the PTI Fire Academy, Mrs Mercy Irefo, in her address, listed courses available to include Awareness Courses, Fire Management Courses, Fire Engineering Courses, Adininistrative Courses, Specialized Courses, and Professional Courses for Fire Fighters and those who want to build a career in Fire Fighting prevention and control.
One of the classrooms
While noting that the courses are both full-time and part-time of maximum of three to nine months with awards of certificates and diplomas, Mrs Irefo called for partnership with the Delta State government, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce, Federal Fire Service and other critical stakeholders to sponsor youths for the available training as well as provide laboratory, appliances and furnishing of hostels, among others.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented, congratulated PTI on its golden jubilee, describing the Fire Academy as a noble project that’s critical to societal development.
Dr Okoigun, ably assisted by Dr Adimula
Chairman of the inauguration ceremony, Dr Alfred Okoigun, an alumnus who left the institute 47 years ago, lauded Dr Adimula for thinking out of the box to complete the Fire Academy, assuring that the PTI dream will not die.
He encouraged stakeholders to ensure people enroll their wards in fire training in order to shore up the number of trained fire fighters for the benefit of the society, locally and internationally.
Representative of Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
Two of the fresh trainees, Mr Anthony Uchechukwu and Miss Chukwu Precious Chidinma, who spoke to journalists, expressed their determination to garner the necessary training and skills in preventing and combating fire incidences in the oil and gas and other sectors.
Assistant Controller-General, Oladunni Osegun Samuel, who represented the Commandant, National Fire Academy, underscored the PTI Fire Academy, saying it will enhance training of fire men with a promise that the national academy will collaborate to ensure its success.
Guests
Highlights of the ceremony were the cutting of tape led by chairman of the occasion, Dr Okoigun and ably assisted by Dr Adimula and other dignitaries, as well as the practical demonstration of fire-fighting exercise and parade by the trainees.
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