The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has pledged its readiness to partner with the Opportunity Without Barrier Initiative for Women and Girls with Disabilities (OWBIN) with a view to supporting them.
The Managing Director/CEO, FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, PhD, FNSE, disclosed this while receiving in his office on Thursday, 21st August, 2025 the delegation from OWBIN, led by the President, Mrs. Bilikisu Yakubu.
The Opportunity Without Barrier Initiative for Women and Girls with Disabilities, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities. Bilikusu, in her remarks, commended FERMA for its pivotal role in ensuring road maintenance and infrastructure development across Nigeria. She stressed the importance of accessible road networks and inclusive designs that guarantee the mobility, safety, and independence of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.
She solicited for financial empowerment of women and girls with disabilities through employment, collaborations and supports, as well as to avail them the opportunity to train FERMA staff on sign language and other matters as it relates to disability.
In his response, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, PhD, FNSE, welcomed the OWBIN delegation and commended the body for its impactful work. He assured that FERMA is committed to supporting OWBIN as he is a “HE for SHE ‘’ having come from a family of females. Adding that FERMA will look into their programme with a view to supporting them through employment and Training request.
He further added that a certain percentage for employment of persons with disabilities is statutory.
Signed
Maryam M. Sanusi (Mrs.), fnipr
Director (Inf./PR)
21st August, 2025
