Ilorin, Kwara State – May 19, 2026
Ilorin, Kwara State | May 19, 2026 – The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Kwara State Chapter, has kicked off a new road intervention project aimed at fixing accessibility issues and creating jobs at the same time.
In a strategic move aimed at improving road infrastructure and promoting community-driven development, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Kwara State Chapter, has officially launched Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR), an intervention initiative designed to restore and maintain critical road networks within the Geri-Alimi axis of Ilorin. The project targets road networks within the Geri-Alimi axis a route thousands of motorists and residents depend on daily.
On Tuesday, The flag-off held at Asadam in Ilorin, marked the beginning of a project that seeks not only to address deteriorating road conditions but also to create meaningful employment opportunities for local youths.
Speaking at the launch, the State Director of FERMA, Engr. Lukman Onimago, described the initiative as a sustainable model that combines infrastructure maintenance with economic empowerment.
What OSGR Is About According to the State Director, Engr. Lukman Onimago, OSGR goes beyond pothole patching.
1. The initiative has two core goals:
Improve road access: Make the Geri-Alimi/Asadam corridor safer and more motorable.
2. Empower local youths:
Recruit residents directly into the maintenance scheme for gainful employment.
Engr. Onimago told guests at the launch. “Residents are now part of the solution. They’ll maintain what benefits them, and in return, they earn from it. That’s how we build a culture of sustainability
The Geri-Alimi axis remains one of Ilorin’s busiest routes, serving thousands of commuters, businesses, and residents daily. Over time, concerns about accessibility and road deterioration have underscored the need for timely intervention.
The introduction of OSGR reflects FERMA’s commitment to adopting innovative, community-based approaches to road maintenance. By recruiting local residents into the maintenance scheme, the agency aims to foster a culture of responsibility and ensure that road assets are protected and preserved. Engr. Onimago further urged community members to serve as ambassadors of the initiative by safeguarding public infrastructure.
Stakeholders and beneficiaries at the event welcomed the move. For many, it’s long overdue relief. Motorists who ply the axis daily described the intervention as “timely” and “much needed”.
Motorists and residents who frequently use the corridor expressed optimism that the intervention would significantly improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of the community.
Beyond infrastructure development, many beneficiaries see the project as an example of how government agencies can effectively combine public service delivery with youth empowerment and community participation. FERMA VIDEO
Operation Safeguard the Road represents more than another road maintenance exercise. It is a deliberate attempt to place communities at the center of development by creating jobs, encouraging civic responsibility, and ensuring that public infrastructure receives continuous attention.
NASTV AFRICA was on ground to cover the flag-off. You can watch the full event, including Engr. Onimago’s address and community reactions, on our official YouTube channel (FERMA VIDEO)
Watch the full event on NASTV AFRICA’s official YouTube channel. FERMA FULL VIDEO
As Kwara continues to pursue infrastructure development, initiatives like OSGR demonstrate that lasting progress is often achieved when government and communities work together toward a common goal.
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