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As Nigerian Muslim faithfuls join their counterpart across the world to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Controller General, Federal Fire Service (FFS) Engr Abdulganiyu Jaji has warned the faithfuls and the general public against overfilling of their cooking pans with oil while cooking meals as part of safety measure .
He issued this precautionary measure in a statement he personally signed where he cautioned celebrants, especially Muslim women traditionally in charge of festive meals to ensure cooking oil never exceeds one-third of the pan to avoid kitchen fire incidents.
"Cooking is at the heart of our Sallah celebrations, but it's also where most accidental home fires begin. During festivals like Eid al-Adha, the risks increase as families prepare larger meals at different hours of the day."
The fire boss congratulated Muslims nationwide on the festive occasion, but also urged everyone to keep safety front and center even as he encouraged all Nigerians to equip their homes with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke detectors, and reminding them ensure they to turn off stoves and electrical appliances before stepping out.
He also admonished that roasting of animals, a cherished Sallah tradition, should be done in open spaces, and that gas cylinders must be stored outside the kitchen at all times.
Engr Jaji equally warned parents to keep their children away from open flames or matches.
He also addressed potential road and water travel hazards associated with the holiday season.
For instance, he urged tanker and trailer drivers to reduce speed and obey traffic rules to help prevent unnecessary bloodshed on the roads.
Jaji called on boat operators to be cautious of water current levels and to avoid overloading vessels, which are common causes of fatal accidents during busy holiday seasons for those traveling by water.
“We may be ready to respond at any time,” Jaji said, “but what we truly want is for Nigerians to stay safe and avoid emergencies altogether.”
He assured that the Fire Service will remain fully operational throughout the holiday, with personnel on high alert and rapid response plans in place.
The FFS boss urged Nigerians to report any fire outbreak or emergency to the nearest fire station or via designated emergency hotlines without delay.
“This celebration is about peace, unity, and gratitude. Let’s keep it that way, free of fire incidents and full of joy," he stressed.