RismadarVoice Reporters, May 28, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has inaugurated the newly completed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and renamed the facility after Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
The governor said the honour was in recognition of the professor’s role as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, returning officer during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
According to Otti, Prof. Nnannaya-Oti demonstrated courage, integrity and commitment to truth during what he described as a high-stakes electoral process.
“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,” the governor said during the inauguration ceremony.
He added that the recognition was symbolic of all individuals who resisted electoral manipulation and intimidation during the election.
“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,” Otti stated.
The governor explained that the newly inaugurated terminal is part of his administration’s broader urban transport reform agenda aimed at building a more efficient and integrated transport system in the state.
According to him, the facility can accommodate more than 340 buses and is designed to improve safety, accessibility and operational efficiency in Umuahia.
Otti also disclosed that the transport initiative would include electric bus services, noting that 20 buses are already operational while more units are expected in phases.
He urged residents to protect the facility from vandalism and environmental abuse, warning that offenders would face sanctions.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukegbu, described the project as a major milestone in Abia’s transport reform efforts, saying it would help reduce traffic congestion and boost economic activities.
Responding, Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti said she only acted according to her conscience during the election process.
“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 event also featured a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.
