Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a multimodal transport facility in the state capital.
The governor also named the terminal after Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in recognition of her role as the Independent National Electoral Commission returning officer during the 2023 governorship election in the state.
Otti said the decision was inspired by her courage, integrity and commitment to truth during the election that ushered his administration into office.
“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 honour extended beyond the professor and symbolised all individuals who resisted electoral manipulation during the poll.
“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 said the recognition also covered electoral officials, security agencies and citizens who upheld the integrity of the election process.
“She’s just a representative of all of you — INEC staff who never bent, party officials who didn’t give in, security agencies and citizens who said no to intimidation,” he said.
Speaking on the project, Otti described the terminal as part of his administration’s broader urban transport reform agenda aimed at building an integrated and efficient transport system in the state.
“The days of playing small are over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” he stated.
According to him, the terminal was designed to accommodate over 340 buses and would improve accessibility, safety and operational efficiency in urban transportation.
The governor also revealed that the state’s transport system would be supported by electric buses, with 20 already operational while more units are expected in phases.
“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered, and commuters will be able to tell accurately when a bus will arrive and depart,” he said.
Otti urged residents to protect the facility and support government efforts by maintaining order and paying taxes, warning that acts of vandalism and environmental violations would attract sanctions.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukegbu, described the terminal as a major milestone in the state’s transport reform efforts, saying it would reduce congestion, improve safety and boost economic activities.
In her remarks, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she only acted according to her conscience 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, Sonny Onwuma.