28/05/2026
The naming of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal by Governor Alex C. Otti has sparked reactions from different quarters, both positive and negative. But beyond politics, emotions, and opposition narratives, history must always be fair to those who stood for truth when it mattered most.
One day, my children will grow up and ask me,
Mommy, why is this beautiful structure called the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal? And I will proudly tell them.
That is the woman who stood for the truth when many were afraid. That is the woman whose courage helped bring light back into Abia State. That is the woman who became a symbol of the rebirth of Abia.
I will tell them that without her integrity and commitment to justice, the mandate freely given by Abians may never have prevailed. I will tell them that because she chose truth over pressure, Abia got a governor who has gone ahead to rebuild roads, revive hospitals, improve schools, create jobs, restore infrastructure, and most importantly, give Abians hope again after years of stagnation.
Some people act like naming a bus terminal after her is too much. In reality, it is not even enough compared to the role she played in defending democracy. Professor Nnenna Oti did not ask for wealth, political appointments, or rewards. She simply ensured that the votes of the people counted. She stood firm in the middle of pressure and intimidation just so the will of Abians would not be stolen. That singular act changed the direction of an entire state. History honors people whose actions positively shape society. That is exactly what Governor Alex Otti has done.
To those saying, She is not from Abia, so why name such a major project after her? I ask, must someone be from your village before you recognize their contribution to your progress?
Let us not forget that one of Nigeria’s busiest airports, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, is named after Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, an Igbo man from the South-East. Was he from the North? No. Yet the nation honored him because of his contributions to Nigeria’s development and democracy.
That is how civilized societies honor greatness. That is how history is preserved. That is how future generations learn about sacrifice, courage, and integrity.
The opposition may criticize today, but tomorrow history will remember the truth. It will remember those who fought for the people and those who fought against the people’s will.
The Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal is more than a building. It is a reminder that one honest decision can change the destiny of millions. It stands as a symbol that truth still matters, integrity still matters, and courage still matters in Nigeria.
Abians are not just honoring a woman, they are honoring truth, justice, and the restoration of hope.
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