FERMA Launches “Operation Guard the Highways” to Combat Road Crashes in Kogi
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has officially commenced a crucial special intervention initiative, code-named “Operation Guard the Highways” (OGH), designed to significantly curb the rate of road traffic accidents across Kogi State.
The program was launched on Tuesday at Ochadamu, situated along the heavily used Itobe–Anyigba Road, marking a proactive effort to enhance motorist safety and boost local economic opportunities.
Mr. Muktar Abdulrahim, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer for the state, spearheaded the inauguration ceremony. He explained that this initiative is twofold: primarily, it aims to optimize the functional capacity of federal roads for commuters, and secondarily, it seeks to create temporary work placements for young residents dwelling near the road corridors.
“Operation Guard the Highways is specifically tailored to discourage the destructive acts that threaten our road network,” Abdulrahim stated. He elaborated that the efforts would target common abuses such as illegal waste disposal into drainage channels, unauthorized road excavation, and the theft of essential road furniture, like bridge handrails and traffic signs.
The ultimate goals of OGH, according to Abdulrahim, are to increase highway safety, decrease travel time and associated costs, and offer short-term employment for youths in the abutting communities.
He stressed that this involvement would instill a vital sense of collective ownership among local residents, thereby ensuring better long-term preservation of the public infrastructure.
The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer concluded by thanking Dr. Chukwu Emeka-Agbasi, the Managing Director of FERMA, for championing the initiative.
Mr. Awodun Daniel, the FERMA Zonal Director for North-Central 1, offered brief remarks, emphasizing the timeliness of the program.
He noted that OGH would be instrumental in making the highways considerably safer for travelers, particularly with the approaching Yuletide festivities typically seeing a surge in road traffic.
The launch event garnered significant attention, with key stakeholders, including the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, local traditional leaders, and members of the public, in attendance.
