Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has honoured Prof. Nnenna Oti by naming the newly completed multimodal bus terminal in Umuahia after her, in recognition of her role during the 2023 governorship election in the state.
Prof. Oti, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), served as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the election that produced Otti as governor.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Otti said the decision to immortalise her was based on what he described as her courage, honesty, and dedication to truth throughout the tense election process.
The governor explained that the transport terminal was built as a modern mobility centre focused on comfort, accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability.
According to him, the facility can accommodate over 340 buses at once and is part of a broader integrated transport network connected to newly completed road junction upgrades, bus shelters, and electric bus operations across Abia State.
He noted that the project was aimed at modernising transportation within the state while making movement easier for both residents and visitors.
Governor Otti further revealed that 20 electric buses are already operating on both intra-city and inter-city routes, adding that another 20 buses are expected within weeks, while 30 more will arrive before the end of the year.
“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered with time, and commuters will be able to tell accurately when a particular bus will arrive and depart each station,” he said.
He also disclosed that the terminal has independent water and electricity systems to ensure uninterrupted operations and efficient service delivery.
The governor appealed to residents, especially those from the host community, to safeguard the facility against vandalism and misuse.
He warned that the state government would not tolerate acts such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse, vandalism, or theft around the terminal, stressing that violators would be prosecuted.
Otti also encouraged citizens to meet their tax obligations, noting that tax payments remain vital for infrastructure development and effective governance.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Nnenna Oti urged Nigerians to always uphold truth and justice, saying the nation can only progress when citizens consistently choose to do what is right despite difficulties.
“I see a new Nigeria where it will become natural for everyone to do the right thing,” she said.
Aside from inaugurating the transport terminal, Governor Otti also commissioned several roads in Umuahia. Among them was the six-kilometre Express Tower-Onuimo Road, now renamed Uma Ukpai Way after renowned televangelist Uma Ukpai.
Other inaugurated roads include Umuogo-Nsukwe Road, Club Road, Ibiam Street, Library Avenue, the 3.8-kilometre Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road now renamed J.O.J Okezie Road, as well as the 4.3-kilometre Orpet-Ahiaeke Road.
