On 14th August 2025, history made as Olumode Samuel Adeyemi officially assumes the prestigious rank of Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS). Born on 22nd February 1972 in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Adeyemi’s journey from a humble beginning to the pinnacle of his profession stands as a testament to hard work, excellence, and tireless commitment to public service. His appointment is a beacon of hope for Nigeria, especially in a time when safety, disaster preparedness, and emergency response require not just leadership, but transformational leadership.
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A man of enviable academic laurels, Adeyemi holds a Master’s degree in Disaster, Risk Management and Development Studies from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and another Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from Ekiti State University. Beyond his degrees, he has pursued continuous professional development both locally and internationally. His rich training profile includes the Shift and Operational Management Course at the National Fire Academy (NFA), Abuja; Crew Command Course (CCC), NFA Abuja; Firefighters Survival Training in Dubai, UAE; Breathing Apparatus Training at the Fire Service College, London, UK; and the Senior Nigerian Officer Study Visit to the UK Fire Training and Command Centre.
He has equally undergone specialised courses in Disaster and Emergency Planning in Lagos and Fire Safety Building Regulations in Abuja, among others.
His professional track record is characterised by a relentless appetite for knowledge, strategic foresight, and a commitment to excellence. Adeyemi’s exposure includes the Strategic Plan and Policy Formulation Course, Strategic Leadership, Ethics and Policy-Making Course at NIPSS, Procurement Officers Course in Lagos, and the Royal Institute of Public Administration (RIPA) International Programme in London.
He has chaired key disciplinary committees and spearheaded landmark research works such as Assessment of Fire Hazard Awareness and Preparednessand Factory Inspection of Firefighting Truck Manufacturers in Turkey and Austria.
Over the years, Adeyemi has displayed exceptional competence in directing and commanding firefighters, conducting fire drills, talent management, disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with procurement and safety laws.
His strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with excellent communication and time management abilities, have made him an invaluable asset to the service. His leadership journey has seen him serve as Zonal Controller (Rivers and Akwa Ibom States), Head of Procurement, Head of Budget, Head of Admin & Finance (FCT Fire Service), and Head of Operations in various strategic locations.
From his early days as Admin Officer I to his rise through the ranks—Senior Admin Officer, Chief Superintendent of Fire, Assistant Controller of Fire, Deputy Controller of Fire, Assistant Controller-General, and Deputy Controller-General—Adeyemi’s steady and merit-based progression is proof that dedication and professionalism are always rewarded.
The Federal Government has consistently reiterated its commitment to improving Nigeria’s disaster management architecture, recognising that safety and emergency response are at the heart of sustainable national development. With Adeyemi now at the helm of the Federal Fire Service, this commitment gains a new dimension—one that blends policy support with hands-on operational expertise. His deep understanding of risk management, coupled with a results-driven leadership style, positions him to turn government policy into measurable safety outcomes for Nigerians.
By fostering stronger collaboration between the Federal Fire Service and other relevant agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and state-level fire and rescue services, Adeyemi is poised to drive an integrated disaster management framework. Such synergy, backed by federal support, will not only improve response times and resource allocation but also elevate Nigeria’s safety standards to match global benchmarks. This united approach promises a safer, more resilient nation, one where communities can count on swift, professional, and coordinated responses in times of emergency.
When Olumode Samuel Adeyemi was announced as the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu a few weeks ago, the news sparked wild jubilation across the agency. From the headquarters in Abuja to commands nationwide, both staff and management celebrated the appointment, seeing it as a fresh chapter of unity, renewed morale, and strengthened bonds between leadership and workforce, an atmosphere that promises to translate into greater efficiency and operational excellence in the days ahead.
As he takes the mantle of leadership, Nigerians can look forward to a new era in the Federal Fire Service; one defined by modernised equipment, improved staff welfare, enhanced emergency response systems, and stronger public safety awareness campaigns. With his wealth of experience, strategic vision, and proven leadership capacity, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi is poised to not only sustain the gains of the service but also drive innovative reforms that will put Nigeria’s fire and disaster management systems on par with global best practices.
In him, the nation sees a leader ready to protect lives and property with renewed vigour. His promotion is not just a personal achievement, it is a national opportunity for safer communities, quicker responses to emergencies, and a more secure Nigeria.