The Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, FNPH, Kaduna, Professor Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u, has advocated stronger community participation and sustained public awareness as essential strategies for preventing fire outbreaks.
Professor Armiya’u made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the official opening of the 2026 National Fire Safety Week at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Kawo, Kaduna.
Reflecting on the February 2023 fire incident at the hospital’s Female Ward, she recalled how an admitted psychiatric patient raised the alarm, while concerned Barnawa residents voluntarily joined efforts to contain the situation.
She described the experience as a powerful demonstration that anyone can become a lifesaver in an emergency and that community collaboration is indispensable in disaster response.
She urged Nigerians to acquire basic fire safety knowledge and embrace continuous sensitisation, stressing that preventing a fire outbreak or responding promptly can save lives, livelihoods and properties.
She also highlighted the hospital’s ongoing construction of a new Female Ward and continuous upgrading of firefighting equipment as part of strengthened safety measures.
A major highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an Award of Recognition to Professor Armiya’u for her contributions to safety advocacy and community wellbeing.
Earlier, Kaduna State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, DCF Aminu Amadu Kiyawa, said this year’s theme, “Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time,” reinforces collective responsibility of individuals, communities and institutions in fire prevention.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Kaduna State Government, NEMA and other stakeholders, as well as a panel discussion and multimedia presentation on the human and financial costs of fire disasters.
Participants also highlighted inadequate firefighting equipment and inaccessible road networks among challenges requiring urgent attention.
