Fire Service Urges Safety Awareness as Kwara College Students, Staff Receive Training on Fire and Flood Response

The Kwara State Fire Service has intensified its public enlightenment drive with a safety sensitization workshop held at the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Studies (CAILS), Ilorin, focusing on fire safety and flood prevention for staff and students of the institution.

The training, which formed part of the agency’s ongoing outreach to tertiary institutions across the state, was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge on fire prevention, emergency response techniques, evacuation procedures, and measures to reduce flood-related risks within school environments and surrounding communities.

Speaking at the event, the Provost of the College, Professor Abdus Salam AbdulGaniyu Abimbola, commended the Fire Service for what he described as a timely intervention, noting that the programme had strengthened safety awareness within the institution.

“We sincerely appreciate the Kwara State Fire Service for this impactful training. It has come at the right time and has further enlightened our staff and students on how to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately in emergency situations,” he said.

The workshop featured both theoretical and practical sessions, during which facilitators demonstrated the use of firefighting equipment, explained early warning signs of fire hazards, and guided participants on proper evacuation methods during emergencies. Participants were also trained on basic steps to manage flooding situations and minimize damage to lives and property.

A hands-on practical exercise allowed students and staff to operate firefighting equipment under supervision, an experience many described as valuable and eye-opening.

Some of the participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying the training had improved their confidence in handling emergency situations. “We have learned practical steps that can save lives. This kind of training should continue regularly,” one participant noted.

The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to building a culture of safety consciousness across the state through continuous public education, institutional engagement, and community-based disaster preparedness programmes.

According to the Service, such initiatives remain critical in reducing avoidable fire incidents and improving response capacity among residents, especially in educational institutions.