Governor Alex Otti, on Wednesday, inaugurated a multi-modal bus terminal built in Umuahia to modernise transportation, ease urban congestion and stimulate economic activities across the state.

The governor named the facility after Nnenna Oti, the vice-chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri.

The vice-chancellor served as INEC’s returning officer in the election that brought Mr Otti to power. The governor said the gesture was in recognition of her courage, integrity and commitment to truth during the 2023 Abia governorship election.

Mr Otti said the terminal was designed as a modern transport hub, restating accessibility, comfort, safety and environmental sustainability.

He said the facility, which could accommodate more than 340 buses simultaneously, formed part of an integrated transport system linked to recently completed junction improvement projects, bus shelters and electric bus services across the state.

According to the governor, the facility was built to transform transportation in Abia and improve the commuting experience for residents and visitors.

Mr Otti disclosed that 20 electric buses were already operating on intra and inter-city routes within the state, while another 20 will be delivered in the coming weeks, plus an additional 30 before the end of the year.

“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered with time, and commuters will be able to tell accurately when a particular bus will arrive and depart each station,” he said.

The governor further stated that the terminal was equipped with independent power and water systems to guarantee uninterrupted operations and efficient service delivery. He urged residents, especially members of the host community, to take ownership of the facility by protecting it against vandalism and misuse.

Mr Otti warned that the government would not tolerate indiscriminate waste disposal, vandalism, or theft within the facility, and offenders would face the full weight of the law.

The governor also called on the people to fulfil their tax obligations, saying taxation is critical to sustaining infrastructure development and governance in the state.

Ms Oti urged Nigerians to always stand for truth and justice. She said national development would only be achieved when citizens consistently choose to do the right thing, irrespective of challenges.

“I see a new Nigeria where it will become natural for everyone to do the right thing,” she said.

The governor inaugurated several roads in Umuahia,  including the six-kilometre Express Tower-Onuimo Road, rechristened Uma Ukpai Way, in honour of renowned television evangelist, Uma Ukpai. Others are the Umuogo-Nsukwe Road, Club Road, Ibiam Street, Library Avenue, the 3.8-kilometre Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road, renamed J.O.J Okezie Road, and the 4.3-kilometre Orpet-Ahiaeke Road.

(NAN)