Umuahia Mega Bus Terminal will change status of Abia capital, Otti says, as he inspects project
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and level of work done at the ongoing construction of Umuahia Mega Bus Terminal by his administration in the state capital.
Governor Otti who visited the project site on Sunday, September 15, 2024, after a Church Service at the Dunamis Church, Finbarr’s Street, Umuahia, also pointed out some areas the contractor needed to make some minor adjustments.
“I think the contractors are doing very well. They have been known to perform very well. They are working according to Schedule,” he said.
“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,” he added.
The Governor said that “so far, so good; I am impressed with the quality of work.”
Explaining some of the features of the Transport Terminal and what it intends to achieve, Governor Otti said that something similar was done in Oshodi, Lagos State and that’s exactly what is being replicated in Umuahia.
“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,” he explained.
The Governor emphasized that the project would help organize the Capital City very well and bring to an end the multiplicity of parks all over the place.
He also said that a lot of businesses would move in there because a provision has been made for hotels, shopping plazas, and playground, among others.
According to the Governor, the project may not yield money immediately but in the long run, it would generate a lot of money; but noted that “the most important thing is for the Capital City to look like a capital.”
Earlier at the Dunamis Church, Governor Otti thanked the Church members for their support during the election, till now. He assured the congregation that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of the people by putting the people first, which he said was the mantra of his administration.
“We believe that government that is really 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,” he said.
“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 Almight 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 was 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.
Governor 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, among other top government officials.
