Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
In a bold move to enhance road safety and promote youth empowerment, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has launched what it called Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) along the Aba-Azumini federal road corridor in Abia State.
The operation also extends to the Uturu–Mile 2–Afikpo federal road connecting Abia with Ebonyi State.
Flagging off the initiative, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in charge of Abia, Engr. Festus Okafor, explained that the programme was “tailored to improve road conditions, reduce travel time, and vehicle operating costs.”
He also said it would provide temporary employment for young people aged 18–45 in surrounding communities.
“The key components of this operation include vegetation control for improved road visibility, drainage management to mitigate flooding, and minor road repairs, including pothole patching,” he said.
“It’s a dual-purpose programme where we empower the youths and also train them in some basic skills, like how to operate light machinery,” he added.
The FERMA boss said participants would be given stipends for the duration of the programme.
He noted that the initiative would provide temporary jobs for about 50 youths in each of the corridors, adding that it would also enable motorists to enjoy better road conditions.
“OSGR marks a significant step in reinforcing Nigeria’s road network while offering a social safety net that directly benefits local communities and contributes to national development,” he said.
In his remarks, the Zonal Director of FERMA, South-East II, Engr. Suleiman Mohammed, who represented FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, at the launch, said the initiative was in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the programme is part of a national strategy to reduce road accidents, build economic resilience, and create opportunities for youth engagement in public infrastructure.
“Beyond enhancing road safety, this initiative fosters community ownership and discourages vandalism of road infrastructure,” he added.
He said the initiative was a key part of FERMA’s broader performance and sustainability goals, adding that it builds on previous successful interventions such as the Stakeholders Assisted Rights of Way Maintenance Implementation Programme (SHAROW-MIP) and the Stakeholders Assisted Rights of Way Economic Sustainability Programme (SHAROW-ESP).
“Together, these initiatives underscore FERMA’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven road maintenance,” he said.
Some of the youths involved in the operation — Chinedu Efuribe from Abayi Umuokoro Autonomous Community and Enyinnaya Nwachukwu from Akumuimo Community — expressed delight that it had provided temporary jobs for them.
They said it would help reduce criminal activities on the road and commended FERMA for engaging local youths in the operation.
