Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the contractor overseeing the Umuahia mega bus terminal project to expand the surrounding roads to facilitate smoother vehicular movement.
During an inspection visit to the project site on Sunday, the governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction. However, he also identified certain areas where the contractor should make minor adjustments to improve the overall design and functionality of the terminal.
He said, “I think the contractors are doing very well. They have been known to perform very well. They are working according to the Schedule.
“But then, there are a few areas that I observed that they have to go back and make some adjustments. We needed the roads to be wider than they are with the junction improvement and the traffic lights. So, I have asked them to stop around the Cooperative roundabout so that we can take a look at it again”
“But, so far, so good. I am impressed with the quality of work”, Otti stated.
Explaining some of the features of the Transport Terminal and what it intends to achieve, Otti said that something similar was done in Oshodi, Lagos State and that’s exactly what is being replicated in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital.
He said, “Exactly what they did in Oshodi is what we want to replicate here. The railway, the buses, everything will terminate here. Shopping Centers, Hotels, just where people can come, meet, and have fun, children’s playground, everything will be here.”
Governor Alex Otti explained that the Umuahia mega bus terminal project would bring much-needed organization to the capital city, putting an end to the scattered and multiple parks around the area. He added that the terminal would attract a range of businesses, as it includes provisions for hotels, shopping plazas, playgrounds, and other facilities, making it a hub for commerce.
Otti acknowledged that the project may not generate immediate revenue but expressed confidence that it would prove financially beneficial in the long term. He emphasized that his primary goal is to enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the capital city, making it truly worthy of its status.
Earlier in the day, while addressing the congregation during a Sunday worship service at Dunamis Church in Umuahia, Otti thanked the church members for their support during his election and throughout his time in office. He reassured the congregation that his administration remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of the people, aligning with his “people first” governance philosophy.
“We believe that government that is worth its name, should focus on the welfare of the people. And, that is what we promised you. That is what we are doing. So, when you see us defray arrears of salaries owed by our predecessors, it’s not that we have too much money, but because we believe that a worker deserves his wage”.
“Our mantra in this government is that the people will come first. You know before now, the Government has been about big men. Big men were taking more and more, sharing our money. We said no, money in Abia cannot be shared.
“And, I can commit in the presence of the Almighty God, that, in so far as I remain here, your money will not be shared. Your money will be used to work for you”, the Governor assured.
In a sermon titled, “The Profit and Dividends of Wisdom” the resident Pastor, Pastor Anthony Itodo, said that wisdom is key to stability, creativity, innovation, productivity, good decision-making, and direction in everything we do in life. He led the congregation in a fervent prayer for the Governor, his entourage, and the state.
Gov. Otti was joined in the worship by the lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmerekini, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba (PhD), and some other top government officials.
