By Sani Dutsinma
The outgoing Engineer-in-Charge of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Kebbi Field Office, Mr Rilwanu Usman, has commended Gov. Idris of the state and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, for their support and cooperation with the agency in improving the safety and maintenance of federal roads in the state.
Mr Rilwanu Usman made the commendation in Birnin Kebbi at a handover, taking-over and send-forth ceremony following his elevation and transfer to the FERMA Zonal Office in Sokoto, where he assumed duty as Acting Zonal Director.
He said the synergy between FERMA, the state government and other stakeholders had contributed significantly to the agency’s ability to respond to road maintenance needs and enhance the condition of federal roads across the state.
The outgoing engineer, who handed over the affairs of the Kebbi Field Office to his successor, Dr Atiku Abubakar, also commended FERMA’s Managing Director, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, for finding him worthy of the new responsibility.
He said his years of service had given him the opportunity to contribute to the development of Kebbi and Nigeria, stressing that the essence of public service was to serve the people diligently, and he expressed confidence in the ability of his successor to consolidate the achievements recorded by the Kebbi Field Office.
Usman said the field office had distinguished itself through hard work, professionalism, effective monitoring and sustained engagement with stakeholders, noting that it was rated first among FERMA field offices in the country in 2023.
He also paid tribute to FERMA personnel who died in the course of service and remembered retirees who had served the agency diligently and selflessly in the state.
In his remarks, the new Engineer-in-Charge, Atiku Abubakar, commended Usman for his achievements and contributions to the development of the FERMA Field Office, describing his new assignment as well deserved.
Abubakar said the Kebbi Field Office had earned a reputation for effective handling of FERMA projects because of Usman’s dedication and professionalism.
He assured staff that he would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to improve the condition of federal roads across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the staff, FERMA’s Internal Auditor in Kebbi, Mr Sadiq Muhammad, commended Usman for his contributions to the growth of the field office.
Muhammad said staff enjoyed working with Usman and would miss his leadership, while expressing optimism that his new assignment would bring greater success to him and FERMA.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
