President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain undeterred by critics and focus on delivering infrastructural transformation in Abuja.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) on Tuesday, Tinubu praised Wike’s leadership and commitment to modernising the capital.
READ ALSO, ODODO MEDIA AIDE HOSTS RISING STAR AJEMO
Describing Wike as a “transformational leader,” Tinubu emphasised that the ongoing facelift in the capital city is a reflection of his administration’s broader goal to showcase excellence and national pride. He encouraged the minister to ignore distractions and “bystanders,” insisting that those not involved in governance should not dictate the tempo of progress.
The president highlighted the ICC renovation as a symbolic step in repositioning Nigeria’s global image. “We want to change the way we do things and reflect ourselves as people of quality, people of character,” he said, adding that the renewed facility would help redefine Abuja’s role as a hub of diplomacy and commerce.
In his remarks, Wike revealed that the ICC had not seen any substantial renovation since its construction in 1991 under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. He said the centre had deteriorated into an “eyesore” before the intervention and credited Tinubu’s direct order as the driving force behind the rapid rehabilitation.
VIDEO: KOGI GOVERNMENT HOUSE LAUNCHES MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Wike also addressed the pressures he faced during the project, without naming names, stating that he had received various criticisms and unsolicited advice from detractors. However, he reiterated that every ministry or agency intending to use the ICC moving forward would now be required to pay fees to ensure sustainability and proper maintenance.
