Alex Otti Names Bus Terminal after Prof Nnenna Oti FUTO VC.

Dr. Alex Otti, Abia State Governor, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a multimodal transport facility in the state capital.

Otti named the terminal after Prof. Nnenna 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.

The governor said the decision was based on her “courage, integrity, and commitment to truth” during the election that led to his administration’s emergence in 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,” He said.

He added that the recognition was not for her alone, but also represented all those who stood against electoral manipulation.

“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 said.

Otti said the recognition also covered electoral officials, security agencies, and citizens who helped safeguard the integrity of the 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,” the governor added.

In his speech titled “Raising The Bar,” the governor said the project is part of his administration’s wider urban transport reform agenda.

He said the state has gone beyond providing basic infrastructure to developing a fully integrated transport system.

“The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” He added.

Otti explained that the terminal was designed to accommodate over 340 buses and would improve accessibility, safety and efficiency in urban transport operations.

The governor also revealed that the transport system will include electric bus services, with 20 already in operation and more expected to be deployed in phases.

“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered… and you can tell with accuracy when a particular bus will arrive and depart,” Otti stated.

He called on residents to safeguard the facility and support government initiatives by maintaining order and fulfilling their tax obligations.

The governor cautioned against vandalism, improper waste disposal, and other actions that could jeopardize the project, warning that violators would be sanctioned.

The Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukegbu, earlier described the terminal as a major milestone in the transport reform agenda of the state, noting that it would ease congestion, enhance safety, and stimulate economic activity.

Prof. Nnenna Oti said in her remarks that she acted solely in line with 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 added.

During the event, there was also a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.