Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and named the facility after Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti in recognition of her role during the 2023 governorship election.
The multimodal transport facility, located in the Abia State capital, was unveiled as part of the government’s urban transport reform programme.
Otti said the terminal was named after the Federal University of Technology, Owerri vice chancellor because of what he described as her courage, integrity and commitment to truth while serving as the Independent National Electoral Commission returning officer during the 2023 election.
He said: “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 the recognition extended beyond the professor and symbolised Nigerians who resisted pressure and manipulation during the election process that produced his administration.
He said: “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 that the honour also recognised electoral officials, security personnel and citizens who defended the integrity of the process.
He said: “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.”
In his speech titled “Raising The Bar”, the governor said the state had moved beyond basic infrastructure projects towards building an integrated transport system.
He said: “The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins.”
According to him, the terminal can accommodate more than 340 buses and is expected to improve safety, accessibility and operational efficiency in the state’s transport sector.
Otti also disclosed that the transport system would be supported by electric buses, with 20 already operational while additional units are expected in phases.
He said: “Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered… and you can tell with accuracy when a particular bus will arrive and depart.”
The governor urged residents to protect the facility by maintaining order and paying taxes, warning that vandalism and environmental violations would attract sanctions.
Earlier, Commissioner for Transport Chimezie Ukegbu described the project as a major milestone in the state’s transport reform efforts, saying it would reduce congestion, improve safety and boost economic activity.
In her remarks, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she only acted according to her conscience during the election.
She said: “I simply did what I’ve done all my life—to do the right thing… the mandate of the people must stand.”
The event also featured a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.
