Abia Names Bus Terminal After 2023 Returning Officer, Prof Nnenna Oti

Our Reporter 

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commissioned a landmark multimodal bus terminal in Umuahia and named the facility after the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti.

The terminal, located at Isigate in the heart of the Abia State capital, was named in honour of Prof. Oti for what the governor described as the courage, honesty and integrity she demonstrated while serving as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s returning officer during the 2023 Abia governorship election.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti said Prof. Oti had become a symbol of patriotism and commitment to democratic values for resisting pressure and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

In his address titled, “Raising The Bar,” the governor said his administration had gone beyond road construction to building a modern and integrated transport infrastructure system across the state.

He explained that the 340-capacity bus terminal was designed with emphasis on accessibility, passenger comfort, safety and environmental sustainability, adding that the facility operates on a 24-hour solar-powered system.

Governor Otti further disclosed that 20 electric buses were already operating on intra-city and inter-city routes within the state, while another 20 buses were expected in the coming weeks.

According to him, an additional batch of 30 buses would arrive before the end of the year to further strengthen the state’s transportation network.

Responding, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she merely carried out her responsibilities in line with her conscience during the 2023 governorship election that ushered in the current administration.

She urged Nigerians to uphold truth, integrity and accountability in both public and private life.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the commissioning of the Prof. Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as a major milestone in Abia State’s transport reform agenda.

According to him, the project was aimed at restoring order, safety and efficiency in urban transportation while easing congestion, improving traffic flow and enhancing passenger safety.

Dr. Ukaegbu added that the terminal would also stimulate economic activities through job creation, improved commerce and increased internally generated revenue for the state.