Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Wednesday commissioned the newly constructed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, describing the project as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to modernise transportation in the state.
The multimodal transport facility, located in the state capital, was named after Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in acknowledgement of her conduct as the Independent National Electoral Commission returning officer during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
According to Otti, the honour was inspired by what he described as her courage and steadfast commitment to transparency during the election that produced his government.
“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,” Otti said.
The governor explained that the recognition was not solely about the professor but also represented every individual who stood against pressure and electoral compromise throughout the process.
“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,” the governor said.
He further stated that the honour extended to electoral officers, security personnel, political actors and residents who defended the credibility of the election.
“So she’s just a representative of all of you—INEC staff who never bent, party officials who didn’t give in, security agencies… people who said no to intimidation,” he added.
Speaking during the inauguration under the theme, “Raising The Bar”, Otti said the project reflects the broader transport reform agenda of his administration.
He noted that the state was now concentrating on developing a coordinated and efficient transport system beyond the provision of basic infrastructure.
“The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” Otti said.
The governor disclosed that the terminal was built to accommodate more than 340 buses and would enhance accessibility, efficiency and safety within the urban transport network.
He also revealed that the transport scheme would be supported by electric buses, noting that 20 units were already operational while more would be introduced gradually.
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“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered… and you can tell with accuracy when a particular bus will arrive and depart,” he said.
Otti urged residents to safeguard the facility and support government initiatives by obeying regulations and paying taxes.
He warned against vandalism, indiscriminate waste disposal and other activities capable of damaging the project, stressing that violators would face penalties.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukegbu, described the terminal as a major achievement in the state’s transport reform programme, noting that it would ease traffic congestion, improve safety and stimulate economic growth.
In her remarks, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she merely acted according to her conscience during the 2023 governorship election.
“I simply did what I’ve done all my life—to do the right thing… the mandate of the people must stand,” she said.
The event also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.