Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a modern transport hub located in the state capital.

During the commissioning, the governor announced that the facility would be named after Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in recognition of her role as INEC Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.

Otti said the decision was based on her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the election that brought his administration into office.

“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,” he said.

He added that the honour also represented recognition for individuals who stood against electoral manipulation during the process.

“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,” the governor stated.

Otti noted that the recognition extended beyond Prof. Oti to include electoral officials, security personnel, and citizens who upheld the credibility of the election.

“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,” he added.

Delivering a speech titled “Raising The Bar,” the governor said the project reflects his administration’s broader reforms in the transport sector, aimed at building an integrated and efficient urban mobility system.

He said Abia State was moving beyond basic infrastructure provision toward a more structured and modern transport network.

“The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” Otti said.

According to him, the terminal is designed to accommodate over 340 buses and will improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency in urban transportation.

Otti also disclosed plans to introduce electric bus services, noting that 20 units are already in operation, with more expected to be deployed in phases.

He said the system would eventually allow commuters to track bus schedules with greater accuracy, improving reliability in public transport operations.

The governor urged residents to protect the facility, obey regulations, and support government efforts through proper maintenance culture and tax compliance.

He warned that vandalism, improper waste disposal, and other disruptive practices would not be tolerated, adding that offenders would face sanctions.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukegbu, described the terminal as a major milestone in the state’s transport reform agenda, noting that it would ease congestion, improve safety, and stimulate economic activity.

In her remarks, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she only acted according to her conscience during the 2023 election, insisting that she simply did what she believed was right.

“I simply did what I’ve done all my life—to do the right thing… the mandate of the people must stand,” she said.

The ceremony also included a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.