Gov. Otti’s Massive Investment in Fire Service Deserves Commendation – Agomuo
By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Hon. Kingsley Agomuo, has commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for what he described as massive investments in the state’s fire service sector and critical infrastructure, following the successful containment of a fire outbreak at the Aka God Petrol Station in Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Umuahia.
Agomuo also praised the people of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu for their unity, support, and swift intervention during the emergency, noting that their collective efforts alongside government agencies helped prevent what could have turned into a major disaster.
Speaking after the incident, Agomuo said the Governor’s strategic investments in emergency response services, road infrastructure, and firefighting equipment played a significant role in ensuring that the inferno was brought under control without any loss of life.
According to him, the prompt response by the Abia State Fire Service and the active participation of residents demonstrated a new spirit of collaboration between the government and the people.
“It would have been a different story if not for Governor Otti’s investment in infrastructure and the rapid response of the state fire service, coupled with the overwhelming support from members of the community,” he said.
Agomuo described the atmosphere at the scene as extraordinary, stating that despite the emergency situation, residents came out in large numbers to support efforts aimed at containing the fire.
“The entire area was filled with people. It was almost like a festival because everyone was united with one objective to stop the spread of the fire,” he added.
He noted that unlike previous years, when delayed responses often triggered public anger and attacks on government property, the situation was markedly different due to the speed and efficiency displayed by emergency responders.
According to him, preliminary observations indicated that a fuel tanker was discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) when the fire broke out, although investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Agomuo further emphasized that improved road networks across Umuahia significantly aided emergency operations.
“If the access roads had not been rehabilitated, it would have been extremely difficult for the fire service to reach the area on time. The good road network made it possible for emergency personnel to access the scene quickly and minimize damage,” he said.
He revealed that firefighters battled the inferno from about 7:00 p.m. until approximately 9:00 p.m., successfully preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures in the densely populated area.
The UCDA boss said the incident highlighted the positive impact of Governor Otti’s investments in governance and public safety.
“I have never witnessed a situation where a fully loaded fuel tanker was involved in a fire incident and was successfully contained without escalating into a larger disaster. This is truly commendable,” he stated.
Agomuo also disclosed that several government officials were present at the scene to monitor developments and coordinate response efforts, including senior government aides, media officials, representatives of small and medium enterprises, members of the UCDA team, and lawmakers representing the area in the Abia State House of Assembly.
He described the coordinated response as evidence of a “New Abia” where citizens and government work together toward a common goal.
“It was a different experience entirely. Fire service personnel arrived fully equipped with water, foam, and all the necessary equipment needed to combat the fire. Residents were reassured because they could see that government assistance had arrived promptly,” he said.
Agomuo concluded by assuring residents that the government remains committed to strengthening preventive measures and emergency response systems to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
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He urged citizens to continue supporting the administration’s efforts, stressing that the progress being recorded across the state is a reflection of effective governance and active citizen participation.
