FFS Seeks Partnership with NIPR for Improved Service Delivery
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has called for partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in area of equipping the Service's personnel with required communication skills to improve service delivery, noting that effective communication plays a crucial role in perception management.
The Controller General of FFS, CGF Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who stated this in Abuja on Friday during the induction of officers and men of the Service as members of NIPR stressed that effective communication and transparency are required in building public trust that will drive acceptance of its early warning messaging among communities, seeking the Institute's support, particularly, in the area of training and capacity building.
According to him, fire safety affects education, housing, energy, commerce and environment, while calling for a synergy that will assist in knowledge sharing and robust information management in building a formidable national fire resilience.
"We are professionalising the way Federal Fire Service communicates to the general public. Our PROs must understand strategic communication, know how to manage crisis and prioritise reputation management. Every fire we prevent is a potential life saver, each community we train becomes safer and every partnership we build increases our capacity", he stated.
He urged the 39 inductees to apply knowledge gained during their training to support dissemination of accurate and timely information that will aid the security of lives and property.
In his remarks, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku said the induction signals the beginning of a new opportunity for the Service to amplify its reforms under the current leadership, develop capacity to manage its reputation and drive a communication culture that will deepen understanding among Nigerians.
While urging the Service to sustain the bold step of professionalising its public relations department, the NIPR boss urged the CG to consider establishing a Public Relations Corps, dedicated to building and maintaining the agency's reputation and projecting it into the public minds.
