The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Fire Service (FFS) to provide comprehensive fire safety training to 7,400 Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
High-Level Engagement Seals Partnership
The collaboration was formally established during a courtesy visit by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, who led a delegation of Senior Management Officers to meet with Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA). The high-level meeting took place at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
According to a press release signed by DCF Paul Abraham, National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services for the Federal Fire Service, the partnership represents a groundbreaking national capacity-building initiative aimed at enhancing fire safety awareness nationwide.
National Fire Safety Ambassador Appointed
During the engagement, the Federal Fire Service formally invested Mr. Peter Ashade, Group CEO of United Capital Plc, as a National Fire Safety Ambassador. This honor recognizes the Heirs Group's significant contributions to promoting safety consciousness and advancing community-focused fire safety initiatives across Nigeria.
The appointment further strengthens the expanding partnership between the Federal Fire Service and the Tony Elumelu ecosystem. As part of this collaboration, FFS personnel will be deployed across all infrastructures under Mr. Tony Elumelu's business portfolio nationwide, serving as safety officers to support compliance, strengthen safety monitoring, and enhance fire prevention awareness across all facilities.
Addressing National Fire Safety Challenges
Mr. Elumelu emphasized the urgent need to deepen community-level fire safety awareness, noting that thousands of households, local markets, and indigenous settlements remain vulnerable due to limited access to structured fire prevention education.
He underscored that empowering citizens with practical, life-saving knowledge will significantly improve national resilience and reduce both the frequency and severity of fire outbreaks throughout the country.
The training program will focus on essential fire-prevention skills, early warning practices, and basic emergency response procedures. Under the collaboration, the Federal Fire Service will train 200 persons in each state of the federation and the FCT, totaling 7,400 beneficiaries nationwide.
Creating a Multiplier Effect
Participants will be groomed to serve as fire safety advocates within their communities, creating a multiplier effect that promotes vigilance and responsible safety behavior across Nigeria. The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen grassroots preparedness, improve first-response capacity, and foster a long-term culture of fire safety within communities.
The Controller General described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria's journey toward a more preventive approach to fire management. He expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Elumelu and the Foundation for championing a community-centric model that aligns with global best practices.
He further assured that the Service will deliver the training with professionalism, transparency, and measurable impact across all zones, marking a significant step forward in national safety preparedness.
