By Abasi Ita
The Federal Fire Service on Thursday commissioned new fire stations in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, and in Ikom, marking a major boost to emergency response services in Cross River State.
Controller Williams, who oversees the Federal Fire Service in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states and represented the Controller General at the ceremony, credited Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for championing the initiative. He noted that the senator consistently pushed for the establishment of Federal Fire Service stations in the two communities.
“Senator Williams has repeatedly insisted on the need for Federal Fire Service presence in Yakurr and Ikom. Today we have achieved that,” he said. He also commended Yakurr Local Government Chairman, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, for providing temporary office space to support the immediate takeoff of the Yakurr unit.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, Mr. Ikoi Uket Eteng, popularly known as Benbruse, thanked the Federal Fire Service for responding to Senator Williams’ sustained advocacy. He said the new stations reflect the senator’s commitment to attracting federal projects and strengthening critical infrastructure across the Central Senatorial District. The newly established fire unit will be headed by OC Ofem Ubana Edet.
Following the commissioning, Mr. Ikoi Uket Eteng led Controller Williams and his team to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr and Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana. The monarch blessed the project and pledged to provide land for the construction of a permanent fire-service complex, adding that talks with the council chairman would continue.
Controller Williams further disclosed that firefighting equipment and additional personnel will soon be deployed to both Yakurr and Ikom as part of ongoing arrangements to fully operationalize the stations.
The delegation later visited former House of Representatives member Chief Obeten Okorn, who lauded Senator Williams for facilitating the establishment of the new emergency response facilities.
The commissioning of the fire stations in Yakurr and Ikom is expected to enhance public safety, improve protection of lives and property, and strengthen overall emergency management across Cross River Central.