Residents and motorists across parts of Oyo state and the South-West have expressed renewed optimism following the intervention of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in rehabilitating critical federal roads.
These include the completion of 1.7 kilometres of failed sections along the Ago Are/Saki/Kisi corridor.
The agency’s ongoing efforts, which also target key routes such as Ijebu Ode and Igbeti, are targeted at easing transportation challenges and reducing accidents on roads long described by users as hazardous.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the rehabilitation work on the Ago Are–Saki road, the South-West Zonal Director I, Babatunde Longe, said the intervention was necessitated by severe structural failures observed on the affected routes.
According to him, the project aligns with the infrastructure policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure safer and more motorable roads nationwide.
“I am satisfied with the level of rehabilitation work done so far on Ago Are/Saki road. It is part of the efforts of FERMA management to deliver on our mandate of making all roads motorable,” Longe said.
Speaking further, he said: “This is Ago Are to Saki road. We decided to intervene because of the sectional failures, and motorists have expressed happiness about the development.
“We have also intervened on this project, and another project between Ogbomoso and Igbeti road will commence as soon as the contractor mobilises to site.
“Additionally, rehabilitation works will soon begin on Ijebu Ode and other roads in the region”.
Longe noted that the Federal Government, through relevant agencies, remains committed to addressing infrastructure deficits across the country, particularly on critical economic routes.
In Ago Are community, residents welcomed the development, describing the previously damaged stretch as a persistent danger to commuters and traders.
“This section of the road has been a death trap for a long time. We thank the Federal Government through FERMA for this intervention. This particular spot has claimed many lives in the past,” a rural community dweller stated.
The residents, however, appealed for additional safety measures to complement the rehabilitation work.
“We want the Federal Government to assist us with the construction of drainage systems as well as speed breakers on this road.
“If you check our market, Ago Are hosts the second largest cattle market in Oyo State,” the resident added.
Westernmirror.com.ng observed that the rehabilitation is expected to improve connectivity, boost local commerce, and significantly reduce the frequency of accidents along the affected corridors, which serve as vital links for agricultural and commercial activities in the geopolitical zone.
