Abia State Governor Alex Otti has named the newly commissioned Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia after Professor Nnenna Oti, the electoral official who presided over the 2023 governorship election that brought him to power.
The governor unveiled the transport facility on Wednesday, describing the gesture as a tribute to integrity, courage and the defence of democracy.
According to Otti, the terminal was named after the former INEC Returning Officer because of her role in ensuring that the will of Abia voters prevailed despite alleged attempts to manipulate the election outcome.
“The facility is named in honour of Prof. Nnenna Nnennaya-Oti, the courageous INEC Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election, whose integrity and patriotism remind us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply standing for the truth,” he said.
Otti explained that the project is a modern transport hub capable of accommodating more than 340 buses at once and forms part of the state’s vision for a safer and more sustainable transportation system.
The governor disclosed that 20 electric buses are already in operation, with additional units expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
He also noted that the terminal is equipped with independent power and water systems to guarantee uninterrupted services.
Beyond honouring Prof. Oti, the governor said the naming of the facility serves as recognition for electoral officials, security personnel, party agents and citizens who resisted pressure and defended democracy during the 2023 elections.
Otti urged residents and members of the host community to protect the facility from vandalism and maintain a clean environment around it.
“This terminal belongs to you, and its success depends on your care,” he said.
He also encouraged Abians to pay their taxes regularly, stressing that sustainable development depends on collective responsibility and public support.
