The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has redeployed the Engineer-in-Charge of its Kebbi Field Office, Mr Rilwanu Usman, to the agency’s Sokoto Zonal Office, where he has assumed duty as Acting Zonal Director.
Usman, who spoke during a handover and send-forth ceremony in Birnin Kebbi, expressed appreciation to Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, for their support and cooperation with FERMA.
He said the collaboration between the agency, the Kebbi State Government and other stakeholders had played a crucial role in improving the maintenance and safety of federal roads across the state.
The engineer also thanked FERMA Managing Director, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, for considering him suitable for the new assignment, describing the elevation as both an honour and a fresh responsibility.
Usman said his tenure in Kebbi provided him with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure development and public service, stressing that effective service delivery remained the primary responsibility of government officials.
He expressed confidence that his successor, Dr Atiku Abubakar, would sustain and build on the achievements recorded by the Kebbi Field Office.
According to him, the Kebbi office distinguished itself through professionalism, diligence, effective supervision and regular engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He recalled that the field office was ranked first among FERMA field offices nationwide in 2023, attributing the feat to the commitment of staff and the cooperation received from stakeholders.
Usman also paid tribute to FERMA workers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while acknowledging the contributions of retired personnel who served the agency with dedication.
Taking over the leadership of the Kebbi Field Office, Dr Atiku Abubakar commended Usman for his contributions and described his transfer to the Sokoto Zonal Office as a well-deserved recognition of his service.
Abubakar noted that the Kebbi office had developed a strong reputation for effective project execution and road maintenance under Usman’s leadership.
He pledged to consolidate the existing achievements while strengthening cooperation with the state government, communities and other stakeholders to ensure improved federal road maintenance across Kebbi.
“We will build on the foundation already laid and work collectively to achieve even greater results,” he said.
Also speaking on behalf of the staff, FERMA Internal Auditor in Kebbi, Mr Sadiq Muhammad, praised Usman for his leadership and contributions to the growth of the field office.
Muhammad said the outgoing engineer maintained a cordial relationship with staff and provided leadership that encouraged professionalism and teamwork.
He expressed the staff’s appreciation for Usman’s service, saying his departure would be felt by colleagues, while wishing him success in his new role in Sokoto.
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibilities from Usman to Abubakar, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the Kebbi Field Office would continue to play a major role in maintaining federal roads and supporting safer transportation across the state.
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