The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has urged motorists and residents in Ekiti State to avoid practices that compromise the integrity of newly rehabilitated federal roads. The call came during an inspection of Sukuk‑funded road projects across the state, part of a nationwide review of federal road interventions financed through the Sukuk bond initiative.
The assessment was led by Engineer Francis Isabiyi, Director of West Operations, and covered critical sites including a 1.2‑kilometre stretch through Ikunri Modern Market in Ikunri‑Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, and a 1.6‑kilometre section linking Itawure to the Osun State boundary. Isabiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, noting that FERMA’s targeted sectional repairs have restored severely damaged portions of the road. He described the inspected route as a major trunk corridor that connects Abuja through Ifaki, Ikole, and Omuo, with onward links to Lagos, Ilorin, and Kogi State, while also serving key institutions and communities within Ekiti.
Isabiyi stressed the need for public cooperation in preserving the infrastructure, lamenting that newly repaired roads are often compromised by human activities. “Indiscriminate parking of trucks on rehabilitated sections leads to diesel and petrol spillage, which weakens the road surface. Communities must discourage such practices,” he said. He also highlighted challenges of vandalism, including the removal of guardrails and theft of installed streetlights, urging residents to protect these public assets.
At the Itawure axis, Zonal Director Southwest Alonge Babatunde also rated the project satisfactory. Although minor issues were observed, he assured that they would be addressed promptly. Babatunde noted that the project remains within its six‑month completion timeline and commended the contractor for steady progress. He urged motorists to avoid overspeeding on the improved road, emphasizing that the rehabilitation has significantly reduced accidents and vehicle breakdowns. He further highlighted the economic benefits, stating that better road conditions will enhance mobility, boost commercial activities, and support local businesses.
Residents and road users who spoke during the inspection expressed appreciation to the federal government for the intervention, citing improved safety, reduced travel time, and better economic prospects. At Ikunri, commuters noted that the once deplorable road has become motorable, while others called for the extension of repairs to adjoining areas still in poor condition, particularly around Ayedun. Similarly, at the Itawure axis, drivers and traders described the rehabilitation as a major relief and urged the government to sustain infrastructure development across the state.
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