{
  "id": 8597034,
  "title": "Insecurity: FERMA Begins Safety Interventions on Ondo Federal Roads",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/insecurity-ferma-begins-safety-interventions-on-ondo-federal-roads",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T03:25:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/20/insecurity-ferma-begins-safety-interventions-on-ondo-federal-roads/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has initiated a safety program on the Owo–Ikare–Arigidi–Ekiti State border road in Ondo State, aimed at improving road conditions and reducing criminal activity. The Routine and Preventive Maintenance Works Programme (RPMWP) intervention covers the route between Chainage 4+000 and 32+000, focusing on removing overgrown vegetation, clearing drainage channels, and removing refuse. This initiative is part of FERMA's mandate to maintain federal road assets and prevent accidents.\n\nDuring an inspection, Kenneth Yanum, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer for the Ondo State Field Office, explained that the clearance of vegetation and waste would enhance motorists' visibility, particularly during overtaking or spotting approaching vehicles, thus reducing accident risks. He also mentioned that desilting drainages would prevent water accumulation, potentially damaging the pavement.\n\nRoad users have welcomed the intervention while suggesting that the federal government extend maintenance efforts to potholes and other deteriorated sections of the highway. Some appreciate the filling of potholes and express hope for further improvement. The clearing of vegetation and desilting of drainage channels are also seen as positive developments that could enhance road safety and security by reducing hiding spots for criminals.",
  "summary": "Fidelis David in Akure The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has begun clearing bushes and desilting drainage channels along the Owo–Ikare–Arigidi–Ekiti State border road in Ondo State, in a move",
  "key_points": [
    "FERMA initiates safety program on Ondo State border road",
    "Routine and Preventive Maintenance Works Programme covers 4+000 to 32+000 chainage",
    "Vegetation clearance and drainage desilting aim to reduce accidents and criminal activity"
  ],
  "editors_take": "FERMA's safety program on a key Ondo State road signals a shift towards proactive maintenance and enhanced security, potentially reducing accident and crime risks for motorists and locals alike.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}