•••Abians Celebrate Outgoing FUTO Vice Chancellor

•••More Road Projects Commissioned in Umuahia

By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD

What many Abians now celebrate as the rebirth of Abia State may never have happened if Professor Nnenna Oti had failed to stand on the side of truth at a defining moment in the political history of the State.

For Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the story of Abia’s transformation did not begin with the construction of roads, transport terminals, urban renewal projects, or the restoration of public confidence in governance. According to him, it began on the night of the 2023 governorship election when the then Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnenna Oti, refused intimidation, resisted pressure, and rejected alleged attempts to manipulate the outcome of the election.

Governor Otti made the remarks while commissioning the newly built Umuahia Central Bus Terminal on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, an ultra-modern transport facility which his administration named the “Professor Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal” in honour of the outgoing FUTO Vice Chancellor.

The Governor described the honour as a recognition of courage, integrity, and uncommon commitment to truth at a time when Abia stood at a dangerous crossroads.

“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 declared.

For many Abians, the statement captures a widely held belief that Professor Oti’s conduct as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the 2023 governorship election prevented what could have been another controversial electoral outcome in the State.

At the height of tension during the collation process in 2023, reports of intimidation, threats, and alleged inducement attempts filled public discourse. Yet, amid the pressure, Professor Oti insisted that only duly collated and verified results would be announced.

That insistence would eventually pave the way for the emergence of Governor Alex Otti and what the people now describe as a new era of transparent and people-oriented governance in Abia State.

Three years after that election, the impact of that singular decision appears visible across the State through massive infrastructure renewal projects, transport reforms, road reconstruction, urban beautification, and renewed public confidence in government.

The newly commissioned Professor Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal stands as one of the most symbolic projects of the administration.

Described by Governor Otti as a bold representation of the “New Abia,” the gigantic transport facility can accommodate over 340 buses simultaneously and forms part of the broader transportation reform programme of the present administration.

The Governor said the days of “playing small” in infrastructure development were over in Abia State, noting that the terminal reflects his administration’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure capable of driving economic growth, improving transportation, and enhancing public confidence in governance.

According to him, the transport reform initiative now extends beyond road construction to include modern bus terminals, bus shelters, traffic management systems, and electric buses aimed at creating an organised, safe, and efficient transportation ecosystem.

Governor Otti disclosed that the State currently operates 20 electric buses on intra-city and inter-city routes while another batch of electric and conventional buses would soon arrive the State.

The terminal itself was designed with modern facilities including over 62 air conditioners, more than 30 public conveniences, 22 shops, commercial centres, a restaurant, and a motel to provide convenience for commuters and visitors.

Managing Director of Planet Projects, Mr. Biodium Otunola, described the facility as the best transport terminal his company has delivered anywhere in Nigeria, revealing that Governor Otti repeatedly delayed commissioning until every detail met world-class standards.

Beyond the transport terminal, the administration also commissioned several road projects across Umuahia North and South Local Government Areas as part of activities marking Governor Otti’s third anniversary in office.

Among the roads commissioned were the Orpet–Umuafai–Lodu–Ahiaeke–Ndume Road, Madonna Hospital Road, Justice Okoroafor Close, Library Avenue Road, Umubioko–Amakama Road, Nsukwe–Umuogo Road, and the reconstructed Tower–Onuimo Road.

Governor Otti also named the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road after the late elder statesman, Chief JOJ Okezie, while the dualised Tower–Onuimo Road was named Uma Ukpai Way in honour of the late renowned evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies, Governor Otti said the projects were part of his administration’s determination to ensure that visitors entering Abia are welcomed by quality infrastructure that reflects responsible governance.

“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,” the Governor stated.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, noted that many of the roads were previously impassable before the intervention of the present administration, while the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the transport terminal as a major milestone in the transformation journey of Abia State.

For many observers, however, the significance of the ceremonies goes beyond infrastructure.

To the people of Abia State, the projects serve as visible reminders of what became possible because one public official chose integrity over compromise in 2023.

That explains why the celebration of Professor Nnenna Oti has resonated strongly among many Abians who see her not merely as an academic administrator, but as a symbol of courage whose decision altered the political and developmental trajectory of Abia State.

In her remarks, Professor Oti expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on her and reaffirmed the importance of truth, accountability, and responsible leadership in public service.

She maintained that leaders must always stand on the side of justice and do what is right for the people irrespective of pressure or intimidation.

According to her, she simply stood on the truth and ensured that votes counted during the 2023 governorship election.

As celebrations continue over the transformation projects being executed across the State, many Abians believe that history shall ultimately remember the outgoing FUTO Vice Chancellor as the woman who helped rescue Abia at one of its most critical moments simply by refusing to betray the truth.

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.