Maha Christopher
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a multimodal transport facility in the state capital.
According to The Punch, the governor also renamed the terminal after the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, in recognition of her role as the Independent National Electoral Commission returning officer during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
Otti said the decision was based on her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the election process that ushered in his administration.
“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 said.
He noted that the recognition symbolised appreciation for individuals who resisted electoral manipulation and upheld democratic values.
“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 explained that the transport terminal forms part of his administration’s broader urban transport reform agenda aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency.
He disclosed that the facility was designed to accommodate more than 340 buses and would be supported by electric bus services, with 20 electric buses already operational in the state.
“The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” Otti stated during his speech titled “Raising The Bar.”
He also urged residents to protect public infrastructure, maintain cleanliness, and support government efforts through responsible civic conduct and tax compliance.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukegbu, described the terminal as a major milestone in the government’s transportation reform programme, saying it would reduce congestion and improve economic activities in the state.
Responding, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she merely acted according to her conscience during the 2023 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 featured a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.
