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 Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia.
The ultra-modern transport facility was inaugurated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as part of activities marking Governor Otti’s third year in office.
Speaking during the ceremony, the governor described the project as a bold symbol of a new Abia State committed to world-class infrastructure, economic transformation, and sustainable urban development.
According to him, the terminal represents his administration’s determination to build a modern, safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation system capable of driving commerce, improving mobility, enhancing safety, and restoring public confidence in governance.
“The days of playing small are over in Abia State. 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,” Otti stated in his address titled “Raising the Bar.”
The newly commissioned transport hub, located in the heart of Umuahia, is designed to accommodate more than 340 buses at a time and is integrated into the state’s expanding electric bus network.
The facility also includes extensive commercial and service infrastructure, with about 30 business units comprising shops, commercial centres, a restaurant, a motel, administrative offices, and public conveniences aimed at improving passenger comfort and boosting economic activities.
Other features of the terminal include over 62 air conditioners, more than 30 public toilets, modern waiting areas, independent power and water systems, and facilities designed to support persons living with disabilities.
Governor Otti explained that the terminal forms part of a broader transportation reform agenda of his administration, which includes the development of bus shelters, traffic management systems, junction upgrades, and the introduction of electric buses across the state.
He disclosed that Abia currently operates 20 electric buses on both intra-city and inter-city routes, while additional electric buses and 30 conventional buses are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
According to him, similar transport infrastructure projects are ongoing in Aba, including bus terminals, bus shelters, and major junction improvements aimed at reducing congestion and improving commuter experience.
The governor said the terminal was named after the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnenna Nnennaya Oti, in recognition of her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth while serving as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
He noted that her conduct during the election restored public confidence in the electoral process despite enormous 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,” the governor said.
Governor Otti added that the honour was not only for Professor Oti but also for electoral officials, security operatives, party agents, and citizens who defended democracy during the election process.
“Prof. Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our state’s history. By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” he added.
The governor commended the contractors, Planet Projects Limited, for delivering what he described as a landmark infrastructure project built to world-class standards.
He also praised the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, the Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, and other members of the transport team for their dedication and contributions toward the successful completion of the project.
Governor Otti further urged residents and members of the host community to protect the facility from vandalism, maintain cleanliness around the terminal, and take ownership of the project.
“This terminal belongs to you, and its success depends on your care,” he said.
He also appealed to residents and stakeholders to support government development efforts through regular payment of taxes, stressing that sustainable development depends on collective responsibility and adequate internally generated revenue.
The governor paid tribute to the late Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, who initiated the bus terminal project, describing his death as painful and unfortunate. A minute’s silence was observed in his honour during the ceremony.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Austin Nmeregini, commended Governor Otti for the infrastructural transformation taking place across the state, noting that the administration had restored confidence in governance through transparent leadership and effective project execution.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the terminal as a major milestone in Abia’s transport reform programme.
According to him, the facility represents more than a transport hub, noting that it symbolises modernisation, urban renewal, orderliness, economic growth, and safer transport operations.
He stated that the terminal would improve traffic management in Umuahia, reduce congestion, enhance passenger safety and comfort, create employment opportunities, and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Professor Nnenna Oti, while expressing appreciation for the honour bestowed on her, reaffirmed the importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership in public service.
She stressed the need for leaders to always stand on the side of truth and expressed hope for a Nigeria where justice, honesty, and fairness would prevail.
“I stood on the truth and ensured that votes counted during the 2023 elections,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Planet Projects Limited, Mr. Biodun Otunola, described the terminal as the best transport facility his company had delivered in Nigeria.
According to him, Governor Otti insisted on strict quality standards throughout the construction process and delayed commissioning until every aspect of the project met the required specifications.
He added that the project forms part of a broader transport reform initiative that has already delivered traffic lights, bus stations, road signs, and street lighting across Umuahia.
The event was attended by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; members of the National and State Assemblies; traditional rulers; members of the clergy; transport union leaders; government officials; and other stakeholders.
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