Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that the state has moved beyond what he described as the “era of small ambitions” following the commissioning of the newly constructed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the facility, Governor Otti said the transport terminal represents the bold vision of his administration to build a modern, safe, and sustainable transportation system capable of driving economic growth and improving mobility across the state.
Prof Nnenna Oti speaking at the event
The ultra-modern transport hub, located in Umuahia, is designed to accommodate more than 340 buses at once and is integrated with the state’s expanding electric bus network.
According to the governor, the terminal is supported by independent power and water systems to guarantee uninterrupted operations and efficient service delivery.
“It is my pleasure to announce that we have officially commissioned the landmark Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, and it is now ready for public use,” Otti stated.
He explained that the facility was named after the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnenna Nnennaya Oti, in recognition of her courage and integrity while serving as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the 2023 Abia governorship election.
Governor Otti noted that Professor Oti’s conduct during the election demonstrated patriotism and commitment to truth despite pressure and intimidation.
“The facility is named in honour of Prof. Nnenna Nnennaya-Oti, whose integrity and patriotism remind us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply standing for the truth,” he said.
He added that the honour was also dedicated to electoral officials, security operatives, party agents, and citizens who defended democracy during the election process.
The governor disclosed that the state currently operates 20 electric buses, with additional buses expected to arrive in the coming weeks as part of efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure in Abia.
In his address titled “Raising the Bar,” Otti stressed that his administration would no longer settle for mediocrity in governance and infrastructure delivery.
“We have moved beyond the era of small ambitions. We refuse to be boxed into margins that underestimate our strength. This principle underpins all our undertakings,” he stated.
Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal
The governor commended the contractors, Planet Projects Limited, for delivering what he described as a landmark infrastructure project.
He also praised the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, the Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, and other members of the transport team for their contributions toward the successful completion of the project.
Governor Otti urged residents and members of the host community to protect the facility from vandalism and maintain a clean environment around the terminal.
“This terminal belongs to you, and its success depends on your care,” he said.
Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal
He further appealed to residents to pay their taxes regularly, stressing that sustainable development depends on collective responsibility and adequate internally generated revenue.