Mr Paul Agbude while delivering a lecture
The two-day workshop organized by the Delta State Directorate of Special Projects for Ministerial Safety Officers concluded today at the Professor C State’s Central Secretariat in Asaba with comprehensive emergency response drills and renewed commitment to workplace safety.
The workshop, which focused on enhancing the capacity of selected officers in securing Delta State’s multi-billion-naira state secretariat complex and its facilities, featured a robust blend of theoretical sessions and hands-on demonstrations.
Day two of the training programme opened with a recap of the key themes discussed on the first day, including safety culture integration, inter-agency cooperation, and the implementation of structured safety protocols. Participants also engaged in breakout sessions where they analyzed case studies on risk mitigation, emergency planning and coordination strategies.
Photo: The Delta state fire school commandant explaining to participants the different types of fire extinguishers
The highlight of the final session was a practical safety drill that simulated fire and medical emergency scenarios within the Secretariat complex. The drill was coordinated by the Delta State Fire Training School under the supervision of Commandant Isaac Sunday, with support from health and safety officials.
During the exercise, participants were trained on real-time evacuation procedures showing the various exit stairs and doors, handling of fire extinguishers, CPR administration, and coordinated communication with emergency responders. The drill tested participants’ response times, clarity of communication, and ability to operate under pressure.
Speaking after the drill, the fire training school commandant Isaac Sunday praised the commitment of the safety officers and reaffirmed the state government’s seriousness about transforming workplace safety from policy to practice.
“During the drill you witnessed firsthand what we have been learning for the last 2 days. In emergency situations panic may set in, leading to chaos and stampede. As safety officers you should display courage and also pass such to the occupants.
“This drill underscores our resolve that safety officers’ lives and assets should not only be discussed but demonstrated and embedded as a daily routine,” the commandant said.
In his closing remarks, the director of special projects, Mr. Emmanuel Sakpere reiterated that the proactive safety culture being instilled through the workshop is expected to significantly reduce preventable incidents and ensure safer and more resilient public facilities.
“You are now part of the security and safety committee of the secretariat; we will be repeating similar training and retraining mostly virtually through WhatsApp group and your input, contributions and suggestions would be sorted,” he stated.
Participants described the workshop as timely, eye-opening, and essential to their roles in public service and their daily lives.
