The Controller-General (CG) of Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel, has congratulated the service’s newly decorated deputy controller-generals, including Ijeoma Okidi, who made history as the FFS’s first female DCG.
The decoration ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja, was performed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the promotions received presidential approval and were based on merit, seniority, and an independent review consistent with the Federal Character Commission’s guidelines.
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had ended career stagnation within the paramilitary services.
He further highlighted that over 52,000 officers had been elevated, with a record 88 per cent advancing from assistant controller-generals to deputy controller-generals.
Tunji-Ojo urged the newly promoted officers to uphold discipline, integrity, teamwork, and loyalty to Nigeria and also encouraged them to work closely with their controller-generals.
Those decorated include Muazu Tambari Aliyu, Okidi—the first woman to achieve the DCG rank in the fire service—and Kehinde Ajasa.
Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, described the ceremony as “amazing and worth emulating”, while praising the officers for their service to the nation.
Following the event, the fire service boss presented official vehicles to the DCGs — the first time such an initiative has been introduced in the history of the service.
According to the CG, the vehicles represent greater responsibility and a call to exemplary leadership.
He encouraged the officers to wear their new ranks with pride and deliver results that would distinguish the fire service as a leader among paramilitary agencies.