A lavish motorcade escorting the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, through Kogi State has ignited fierce public backlash, with many Nigerians questioning priorities in a struggling emergency sector.
Viral footage circulating online shows a long convoy of red emergency vehicles—Toyota pickups, SUVs, outrider motorcycles, and support vans—alongside black luxury SUVs moving through highways and local roads.
Security operatives in suits and red ties were also seen guarding a red SUV as the convoy approached a packed venue, where Adeyemi later stepped out to cheers from residents.
The high-profile visit, described as a royal homecoming and thanksgiving, marks Adeyemi’s return to his home state following his appointment in July 2025. During the event, he reportedly received blessings from traditional rulers and pledged to establish a new fire station in Kabba.
The agency had earlier shared the video, stating, “CGF Olumode Adeyemi returns home to Kogi, receives royal blessings, as stakeholders commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and call for stronger fire safety. Fire station in Kabba underway.”
Despite the ceremonial tone, the display has triggered sharp criticism, with many Nigerians highlighting the contrast between the grand convoy and the reported lack of functional firefighting equipment nationwide.
“How can anyone realistically hope for Nigeria to improve with this kind of outrageous display from the head of a federal fire agency?
“This isn’t even an exaggeration, about 90% of federal fire stations reportedly lack functional fire engines, yet the agency’s leadership has the funds to acquire multiple SUVs. It’s beyond frustrating. It’s unacceptable,” #ogundamisi reacted on X on Monday.
Influencer Kalu Aja wrote, “Fire Service ooh. Recurrent budget go hear am. Everyone is a big man.”
Another user, #bin_gbada, slammed the perceived extravagance.
“Those luxury SUVs will buy 3–4 firefighting trucks. Once again, we are not poor. We are being criminally mis-governed.
“Nigeria presently has fewer than 250 fire-fighting trucks for a population of over 200 million people. How do you explain that the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service has several brand-new luxury SUVs in his convoy, as long as that of a head of state? We cannot continue like this!”
Concerns also extended to the use of government resources.
“These people are using every institution of this country to campaign and promote their nonsense agenda. Nigeria has never been this bad.
“Imagine displaying such nonsense in a country where we don’t have enough fire service stations. These are misplaced priorities,” #Bashir_GS wrote.
Amid the backlash, some voices defended the convoy, describing it as standard protocol for a top-ranking government official.
“Every high-ranking public servant deserves proper protocol and security when visiting their hometown. This is standard for a Controller-General. The cultural display and thanksgiving service were beautiful to see,” one user wrote on X.
Offering prayers and support, #Obaluck84293 added, “Welcome Sir. Weldone Job Sir. God Bless Olumode. God Bless Bunmi Tunji Ojo. God Bless President Bola Tinubu. God Bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
