Abia State Governor, Alex Otti on Wednesday, inaugurated a multi-modal bus terminal built in Umuahia to achieve modernised transportation, ease urban congestion and stimulate economic activities across the state.
NAN reports that the governor named the facility after the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Nnenna Oti.
The vice-chancellor served as the INEC Returning Officer in the election that brought Otti to power.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said the gesture was in recognition of her courage, integrity and commitment to truth during the 2023 Abia Governorship Election.
He said that the terminal was designed as a modern transport hub with emphasis on accessibility, comfort, safety and environmental sustainability.
He said the facility, which could accommodate more than 340 buses at the same time, 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 him, the facility was built to transform transportation in Abia and also improve the commuting experience for residents and visitors.
Otti disclosed that 20 electric buses were already operating on intra and inter-city routes within the state, while another 20 would be delivered in the coming weeks, plus 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.
He warned that the government would not tolerate indiscriminate disposal of waste, vandalism or theft within the facility, and that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The governor also called on the people to fulfil their tax obligations, saying that taxation was critical to sustaining infrastructure development and governance in the state.
In an address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the project as a major milestone in the administration’s transformation agenda.
Ukaegbu said that the terminal represented more than a transport facility, pointing out that it symbolised order, modernisation, economic growth, safety and urban renewal.
He said that it reflected the government’s determination to build an efficient, organised and environmentally friendly transport system befitting a modern state.
“For many years, informal transport operations created congestion, insecurity, environmental degradation and operational inefficiencies within our urban centres.
“Today, we are changing the narrative with a structured and dignified environment for transport operators, commuters, visitors and businesses,” Ukaegbu said.
He further said that the facility would improve traffic management, reduce congestion, enhance passenger safety and comfort, as well as create employment and commercial opportunities.
He also said that the facility would increase the state’s internally generated revenue and position Umuahia as a model transport hub in the country.
Ukaegbu explained that transportation remained a critical driver of economic development, adding that a functional transport system stimulates trade, tourism and productivity.
The Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, said that the facility was achieved through teamwork, dedication and visionary leadership.
Mba-Uzoukwu further described the terminal as a product of effective collaboration between good governance and competent professionals, who worked tirelessly for several months to deliver the project to standard.
In his remarks, the Founding Managing Director of Planet Projects Ltd., Mr Biodun Otunola, described the terminal as the best transport facility his company had delivered in the country.
Otunola described transportation as the “livewire of the economy”, saying that investment in the sector was critical to economic growth and social development.
He said that prior to the intervention, Umuahia had over 43 scattered motor parks lacking basic facilities, such as toilets, parking spaces and lighting.
He said that the transport reform plan recommended the establishment of a central terminal, 30 bus stations and improvements at major junctions across the city.
He said the government had delivered on the recommendations with the installation of traffic lights, street lights, traffic signs and bus stations across Umuahia.
Otunola further explained that the terminal was equipped with air-conditioned waiting areas, public conveniences, commercial spaces, restaurants and a motel for travellers.
In a brief remark, the vice-chancellor of FUTO urged Nigerians to always stand for truth and justice.
Oti said that national development would only be achieved when citizens consistently chose 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.
themomentng further reports that the governor inaugurated several roads in Umuahia, including the 6-km Express Tower-Onuimo Road, which was rechristened Uma Ukpai Way, in honour of renowned television evangelist, late Dr Uma Ukpai.
Others are the Umuogo-Nsukwe Road, Club Road, Ibiam Street, Library Avenue, 3.8-km Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road, which was renamed J.O.J Okezie Road and 4.3-km Orpet-Ahiaeke Road.
