Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Wednesday inaugurated a multi-modal bus terminal in Umuahia to modernise transportation, ease urban congestion, and stimulate economic activities across the state.
The governor named the facility after the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Nnenna Oti, who served as the INEC Returning Officer during the 2023 Abia Governorship Election that brought him to power.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti said the naming was in recognition of her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the election.
He said the terminal was designed as a modern transport hub with emphasis on accessibility, comfort, safety, and environmental sustainability.
The facility, which can accommodate more than 340 buses simultaneously, forms part of an integrated transport system linked to recently completed junction improvements, bus shelters, and electric bus services across the state.
Otti disclosed that 20 electric buses are already operating on intra- and inter-city routes, with another 20 to be delivered in the coming weeks and an additional 30 before the end of the year.
“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered, and commuters will be able to know accurately when a particular bus will arrive and depart each station,” he said.
The governor stated that the terminal is equipped with independent power and water systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.
He urged residents, especially those in the host community, to take ownership of the facility by protecting it from vandalism and misuse. He warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Otti also called on the people to fulfil their tax obligations, noting that taxation is critical to sustaining infrastructure development.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the project as a major milestone in the administration’s transformation agenda.
He said the terminal symbolises order, modernisation, economic growth, safety, and urban renewal.
“For many years, informal transport operations created congestion, insecurity, environmental degradation, and operational inefficiencies in our urban centres. Today, we are changing the narrative,” Ukaegbu said.
He added that the facility would improve traffic management, reduce congestion, enhance passenger safety and comfort, create employment opportunities, and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
The Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, attributed the success of the project to teamwork, dedication, and visionary leadership.
In his remarks, the Founding Managing Director of Planet Projects Ltd, Mr Biodun Otunola, described the terminal as the best transport facility his company had delivered in the country.
He noted that before the intervention, Umuahia had over 43 scattered motor parks lacking basic amenities.
Otunola explained that the terminal features air-conditioned waiting areas, public conveniences, commercial spaces, restaurants, and a motel for travellers.
In a brief remark, Prof. Nnenna Oti urged Nigerians to always stand for truth and justice.
“I see a new Nigeria, where it will become natural for everyone to do the right thing,” she said.
The governor also inaugurated several roads in Umuahia, including the 6-km Express Tower-Onuimo Road, now renamed Uma Ukpai Way in honour of the late renowned televangelist, Dr Uma Ukpai.
Others include the Umuogo-Nsukwe Road, Club Road, Ibiam Street, Library Avenue, the 3.8-km Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road (now J.O.J. Okezie Road), and the 4.3-km Orpet-Ahiaeke Road.
