FRCN fire: DG appreciates public support, promises station’ll rise stronger

By Lydia Ngwakwe
Dr Mohammed Bulama, Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has expressed gratitude for the public’s support and solidarity in the wake of the fire incident at its Lagos office.
Bulama expressed his appreciation on Tuesday in Lagos after touring the building to assess the damage caused by the inferno.
Recall that a late-evening fire broke out at the Radio Nigeria premises in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Nov. 27, around 5:30 pm.
The fire damaged some parts of the building before emergency services were able to put it out. No life was lost in the incident.
Bulama acknowledged the outpouring of concern and offers of assistance, emphasising the Nigerian spirit of unity and compassion.
He reassured the public that FRCN remained committed to its mission of serving the nation and would emerge stronger from the adversity.
The DG said, “First of all, all thanks and glory be to God for His mercies, for His favors; it is very important that no lives were lost.
“Our thanks goes to God Almighty, and that the fire was even contained, because if the whole of this building had been engulfed by that fire, it would have been a monumental disaster for Nigeria.
“We thank the governor of Lagos state, the government and people of Lagos state for commiserating with us and for showing concern.
“The governor did not only issue a statement; he sent top government officials here to come and assess the damage and also sympathise with Radio Nigeria.
“In the same vein, I want to thank the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for commiserating with us and his love. He’s been supportive of Radio Nigeria for many years. So, we are not surprised that he’s also equally shaken by this disaster.”
Bulama also appreciated Nigerians and government agencies that were involved in containing the fire, adding that if not for their effort, the building would have been totally burnt down.
He assured Nigerians that the agency was touched by this show of solidarity and support saying, that it showed they are indeed their brother’s keeper.
Bulama assured Nigerians that Radio Nigeria would continue to serve the country in the best possible way it could, believing it would come out the better from the disaster.
The director-general described the scene as heartbreaking, with extensive damage to the building and equipment.
He said while a full investigation was pending, initial reports suggested an explosion in a Metro FM studio, possibly triggered by an AC unit, was the cause of the fire.
This, he said, had caused significant structural damage, rendering the building not fit for use.
Bulama disclosed that the situation called for a swift and comprehensive restoration process.
He said that an initial engineering assessment had been conducted, and a trusted vendor would be engaged to determine the exact scope of repairs.
Additionally, the director-general said that the incident had offered an opportunity to upgrade the Lagos Operations facility to the highest standards.
He said that with support from the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, there were plans to invest in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure.
“We shall spare no energy to make sure that we upgrade this place to the highest standard possible with cutting-edge technology.
“At least, as much as our lean resources will carry it, we have the intention of transforming this place,” Bulama said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
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