Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a multimodal transport facility in the state capital.
During the ceremony, the governor announced the renaming of 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 INEC returning officer in the 2023 governorship election.
Governor Otti said the decision was based on her “courage, integrity and commitment to truth” during the election that brought 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,” Otti said.
He added that the honour extended beyond her personally, describing it as a tribute to all individuals who resisted electoral malpractice.
“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,” he said.
The governor noted that the recognition also applied to electoral officials, security agencies, and citizens who upheld the integrity of the electoral process.
“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.
In a speech titled “Raising The Bar,” Otti said the project reflects his administration’s broader urban transport transformation agenda.
He stated that Abia State was moving beyond basic infrastructure provision toward the development of an integrated and modern transport system.
“The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” the governor said.
He explained that the terminal was designed to accommodate more than 340 buses and improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency in urban transportation.
Otti also disclosed plans to introduce electric bus services, noting that 20 units are already in operation, with more expected in phases.
He said the system would eventually enable predictable schedules for commuters, improving reliability in public transport operations.
“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.
The governor urged residents to protect the facility, maintain order, and comply with tax obligations to ensure sustainability of public infrastructure.
He warned against vandalism and improper waste disposal, stating that offenders would face sanctions.
Earlier, Commissioner for Transport Chimezie Ukegbu described the terminal as a key milestone in the state’s transport reform agenda, adding that it would ease congestion and stimulate economic activity.
Prof. Nnenna Oti, in her remarks, said she simply acted according to 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 included a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.
