Sani Haruna
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Kebbi State has launched extensive repair works on key federal highways under its Operation Connect to Your Destination (OCYD) 3.0 initiative as preparations intensify for the 2025 Yuletide season.
The exercise was flagged off at Km 1+150 along the Kalgo–Bunza Road by the FERMA Engineer-in-Charge for Kebbi State, Mr Rilwanu Usman, who said the intervention aims to ease travel challenges and reduce road accidents during the festive period.
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Usman noted that OCYD 3.0, introduced under the leadership of FERMA’s Managing Director, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, is the third edition of the nationwide operation designed to improve road safety and connectivity.
“Anyone familiar with this road knows how dangerous it is, given the high rate of fatal accidents leading to loss of lives and property,” he said.
According to him, the exercise will focus on intensive pothole patching, rehabilitation of failed road sections, and asphalt overlays to enhance durability and ensure safer travel.
He highlighted FERMA’s recent interventions across Kebbi, including the restoration of a previously flooded section on the Argungu–WACOT Road and significant repairs on the Bunza–Koko axis.
Usman also appreciated the support of Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, for backing the Federal Government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
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The FERMA state chief further commended Dr Agbasi for sustaining the OCYD programme, describing it as aligned with the Federal Government’s mandate to keep federal highways motorable and safe.
Motorists who spoke during the flag-off expressed gratitude for the intervention, calling it timely and necessary.
A commercial driver, Malam Dauda Alkali, lauded FERMA’s consistent commitment to maintaining federal roads, noting that the repairs had eased the difficulties motorists faced due to flooding and heavy rains during the last rainy season.
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Kebbi, Alhaji Garba Dan-Malam, also praised the operation, describing it as a “much-needed intervention” that would benefit motorists and road users nationwide.
He commended the Federal Government and FERMA’s leadership for sustaining the initiative and prioritising the safety of travellers.