A section of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt was engulfed by fire on Monday, destroying properties and affecting offices, including the newly constituted Rivers State Pension Board.
The fire reportedly broke out around 4:00 p.m. at the Podium Block, a prominent high-rise building within the secretariat complex, after official working hours had ended. Initial investigations point to an electrical fault as the likely cause of the inferno. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
Swift Firefighting Response Averts Greater Disaster
According to Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information, emergency response teams from both the State Fire Service and Federal Fire Service swiftly arrived at the scene to contain the fire.
“It was at the Podium Block of the State Secretariat, on the right side where the fire started. But we are fortunate that the State and Federal Fire Services intervened and did what they know best to arrest the situation,” Sirawoo said.
Rivers Fire Service Praised for Prompt Response
Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. Inyinge Brown, confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude that no lives were lost.
“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block and we immediately made calls to the Rivers State Fire Service. They responded promptly,” Brown said.
She noted that other partners, including Renaissance, the Federal Fire Service, and even the military, also deployed fire trucks to assist in quelling the flames.
“It’s a combined effort, and as we speak, you can see that the fire has been contained.”
Governor Fubara’s Fire Service Reforms Credited
Dr. Brown praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for investing in the state’s firefighting infrastructure, crediting the recent rehabilitation of the fire service for the quick and effective response.
“If not for his investment in the Fire Service, this situation would have been worse.”
She also issued a safety advisory to civil servants:
“We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for safety. Put off sockets and lights after use. Not just switching off, but unplugging devices to prevent residual electrical charges.”
Brown emphasized the importance of safeguarding the heritage buildings within the secretariat complex to prevent future disasters.
