Abia State Governor Wednesday commissioned various roads around Umuahia North and South LGAs in continuation with the project commissionings and flag-off to commemorate his third anniversary.
He also named the newly built Umuahia Central Bus Terminal he commissioned after Professor Mrs. Nnenna Oti in recognition of her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State when she served as INEC governorship Returning Officer and who declared him winner of the 2023 election in Abia.
The roads commissioned included; Orpet – Umuafai – Lodu – Ahiaeke -Ndume Road, Ahiaeke – Okwuta -Bende road, now JOJ Okezie Road, Madonna Hospital Road, Afara, Justice Okoroafor Close , Afara, Library Avenue Road all in Umuahia North. Others are Umubioko -Amakama road, Nsukwe – Umuogo Road, Tower – Onuimo road now Uma Ukpai road in Umuahia South.
Speaking at various spots of the commissioning which was part of his 3rd anniversary ceremony, Otti appreciated the people living in the areas for their patience in managing the roads before they are fixed.
“What we have come here today to do is to celebrate the completion of these roads. We also want to celebrate our fathers in this state who are no more. The whole idea is that when you get into Abia state, you will be greeted by good roads. You will know that you have entered Abia state.
“So I am happy that this has been completed, and completed very well, lined up with street lights, markings, drainage on both sides. So this is guaranteed to last for a very long time.
Otti named the ultra-modern bus terminal “Prof. Nnenne Oti Bus Terminal”, describing the project as a bold symbol of the new Abia, adding that it is a clear demonstration that the State has ended the era of “playing small” in infrastructure development.
Gov Otti said the ultra-modern transport terminal reflects his administration’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure capable of driving economic growth, improving transportation, and restoring public confidence in governance.
The Governor stated that the terminal, which can accommodate more than 340 buses at a time, forms part of the broader transportation reform agenda of his administration, aimed at creating an organised, safe, and efficient transport system across the State.
According to him, “Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our State’s history. By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” Governor Otti stated.
Speaking, Prof. Nnenna Oti expressed her appreciation to the governor for the honour bestowed on her, while reaffirming the importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership in public service.
She stressed the need for leaders to remain committed to doing what is right for the people at all times and stand on the side of truth, expressing the hope that Nigeria would rise to become a nation where truth, justice and honesty would thrive, and said that she stood on the truth and ensured that votes counted in the 2023 elections.
In their various speeched, Speaking earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Meregini, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, and the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu commended Gov. Otti for his intentional and people-oriented governance across the State, and noted that Gov. Otti has restored dignity and confidence in governance through transparent leadership and faithful execution of projects approved by the legislature. They also appreciated the Craneburg company limited for the quality delivery in most of the road projects.
In his speech on behalf of the project designers and developers, the Managing Director Planet Projects Mr Biodium Otunola, described the Nnenna Central Bus Terminal as the best transport facility his company has built in Nigeria.
