Lead With Conviction, Not Popularity, Tunji-Ojo Tells New Fire Service CG
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged the newly appointed Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Adeyemi, to embrace the courage to act in the best interest of Nigerians, even when such decisions may be unpopular.
Adeyemi, who was Deputy Controller-General, was decorated as the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) following the retirement of Alhaji Jaji Abdulganiyu. The appointment took effect immediately.
Speaking at Adeyemi’s decoration ceremony at the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) office in Abuja on Thursday, Tunji-Ojo told the new CG that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu was based solely on competence and capability, while warning that leadership is about responsibility, not seeking approval.
Adeyemi, who transferred from the FCT Fire Service to the Federal Fire Service, has risen through the ranks to become Deputy Controller-General and has completed all mandatory in-service training and command courses.
The minister said, “The president, who is the number one citizen, didn’t look at who you are, but chose you based on capability. He has invested his trust in you.
“As the new CG, picture where the Fire Service is today and where it would be next, and you will be judged by how well you have served. You have been given an opportunity that only a few people have had. Please take it upon yourself to write your script. One day, after many years, you will be sitting where Jaji is now. But the question is, when you sit and look back, will you say you have done well?”
Tunji-Ojo pledged his full backing but cautioned Adeyemi to expect resistance in carrying out his duties.
“Let me tell you, you will have 100% support from me, but don’t expect 100% support from your men. If you have 100% support, you will never do the right thing,” he said.
He stressed that leadership demands conviction and integrity, not popularity.
“Leadership is not a popularity contest. It is not about who likes or hates you. Leadership is a conviction of purpose, responsibility, and the courage to act in the best interest of others, even when it’s difficult. When there’s a system where no one is fighting, just know that corruption is the order of the day. Sometimes when you get home, you ask yourself, ‘Am I sure I’m doing the right thing?’ People will just hate you for no reason. You were not elected as the CG, you were appointed.”
Tunji-Ojo described the Fire Service as a crucial institution in Nigeria’s public safety architecture.
“Fire Service is one of the most impactful agencies in this country. Every time there’s a fire incident and rescue operation and someone dies, it’s a failure on the Fire Service. Your job is to prevent fire — you are as important to life as oxygen can be,” he said, adding that the National Assembly is already working on a new Fire Service Act to strengthen operations.
The minister urged Adeyemi to remain focused, self-disciplined, and purposeful.
“Know where you are coming from, because if you don’t know where you are coming from, you will never appreciate where you are. If nobody can charge you, charge yourself. Call me anytime for support; we are one family. Be focused, be the leader and not the led. Do not be under pressure to please everybody. As you do your job, God will give you strength.”
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemi expressed gratitude to God, President Tinubu, and the Minister of Interior for the confidence reposed in him.
“With profound humility and a heart full of gratitude, I stand before you today on this historic occasion of my decoration as the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service. This appointment is a great honour, and I do not take it lightly. I pledge my total loyalty and unwavering commitment to justifying this confidence through diligent service, integrity, and purposeful leadership,” he said.
Adeyemi also acknowledged the immediate past CG, Abdulganiyu, the interior Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene N. Ajani, the Secretary to the CDCFIB, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), and his colleagues for their roles in the promotion process and their dedication to the Service.
He pledged to work with all stakeholders to transform the Federal Fire Service into a “model of efficiency, discipline, and public trust.”
On Wednesday, August 13, Adeyemi formally took over from his predecessor at the FFS Headquarters in Abuja, where he praised Abdulganiyu’s contributions and pledged to seek his counsel when necessary.
Lead With Conviction, Not Popularity, Tunji-Ojo Tells New Fire Service CG is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
