The Federal Fire Service, Oyo State Command, has strongly condemned the indiscriminate construction of shops in markets, issuing a warning that such practices severely hinder effective responses to fire outbreaks and other emergencies across the state.

This crucial statement was delivered by Olojo Ayodeji, the Zonal Commander of the Federal Fire Service for Oyo and Osun States, during the flag-off of the 2025 National Fire Safety Week on Monday in Ibadan. The event was held under the theme: “Building the Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Overcoming the ‘Not My Portion’ Mentality.”

Commander Ayodeji highlighted that devastating fire incidents are a frequent occurrence in marketplaces largely due to the presence of highly combustible materials which can easily fuel and rapidly spread fires during an outbreak.

The zonal controller stressed that action by relevant stakeholders to curb the indiscriminate and illegal erection of structures in marketplaces across the state would significantly contribute to reducing fire incidents. He provided a clear reason for the service’s concern: “These illegal structures obstruct easy passage during emergencies.” He further added: “If proper structures are erected and safety measures are followed, it will greatly reduce the difficulties in responding to fire emergencies in markets and other places.”

Ayodeji explained that the National Safety Week of the service is an annual program specifically conducted during the dry season, which is the period when fire incidents occur most frequently. He outlined the core purpose of the initiative, stating: “We use this period to sensitise the public on fire safety and emergency preparedness, and we will be visiting markets, schools, offices and other places for the sensitisation.”

During a lecture at the event, Oke Ayodeji, a Superintendent of Fire, delivered a sobering statistic, attributing 80 per cent of fire incidents in Nigeria to negligence and the careless attitudes of citizens.

Superintendent Ayodeji strongly advised Nigerians to discard the “not my portion” mentality and adopt a more proactive approach to reduce the incidence of fire outbreaks in the country. He emphasized that fire can occur at any time and in any place, urging citizens to abandon negligent attitudes and strictly adhere to fire safety procedures. He concluded his point with a powerful call for change: “Having the right mindset and discarding the ‘not my portion’ mentality will be better for us and for the country as a whole.”

In his remarks, the Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Oyo State Command, Adeyemo Ariyo, confirmed the service’s continuous commitment, saying that the service would continue to sensitise citizens on ways to prevent and reduce fire incidents in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the program saw attendance from representatives of several agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency , the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Customs Service.