Governor Otti Commissions Ultra-Modern Umuahia Bus Terminal, Honours Prof. Nnenna Oti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has  commissioned the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a modern multimodal transport facility designed to enhance urban mobility and improve transportation services within the state capital.

The governor also named the terminal after Professor Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in recognition of her courage and integrity as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the 2023 Abia governorship election.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Governor Otti said the honour bestowed on Prof. Oti was in appreciation of her unwavering commitment to truth and justice during the highly contested election.

“This terminal has been named after Professor Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the courageous INEC Returning Officer who demonstrated unflinching integrity in the discharge of her duties during a high-stakes election assignment here in Abia,” the governor stated.

He noted that the recognition symbolises the sacrifices of all individuals and institutions that resisted electoral manipulation and defended the democratic will of the people.

“In 2023, through her courageous disposition of standing firmly by the truth, she reminded us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply saying no,” Otti added.

The governor further extended appreciation to INEC officials, security agencies, party representatives and citizens who upheld the sanctity of the electoral process despite intimidation and pressure.

Delivering his address titled “Raising the Bar,” Otti described the transport terminal as a major milestone in his administration’s urban renewal and transport reform agenda, stressing that the state was moving beyond basic infrastructure delivery to building an integrated and technology-driven transportation system.

“The days of playing small are over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” he declared.

According to him, the terminal has the capacity to accommodate over 340 buses and is expected to significantly improve accessibility, safety, operational efficiency and commuter experience in Umuahia.

The governor also disclosed that the state’s transport system would be powered by electric bus services, revealing that 20 electric buses are already operational, while additional units would be deployed in phases.

“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered, and commuters will be able to tell accurately when a particular bus will arrive and depart,” he said.

Governor Otti urged residents to protect the facility and support government initiatives by maintaining order, obeying environmental regulations and paying taxes promptly.

He warned against vandalism, indiscriminate waste disposal and other acts capable of undermining the project, noting that violators would face appropriate sanctions.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the terminal as a landmark achievement in the state’s transport modernisation drive, adding that it would help reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and stimulate economic activities.

Responding, Professor Nnenna Oti expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that she merely acted in line with her conscience and professional ethics during the 2023 election.

“I simply did what I have done all my life  to do the right thing. The mandate of the people must stand,” she said.

The event also featured a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Chief Sonny Onwuma.