President Bola Tinubu has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain focused on his duties and disregard distractions from critics and onlookers
The president made the remark on Tuesday during the official commissioning of the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
During his address, Wike commended Tinubu for his leadership and support, revealing that he was given a clear directive to rehabilitate the once-dilapidated facility. The minister, however, noted that he had faced pressure from unnamed individuals during the course of the project.
In response, President Tinubu encouraged Wike to remain steadfast in his mission.
“Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders,” Tinubu said. “Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You’re a transformational leader with the foresight and determination to succeed.”
Tinubu described the centre’s transformation as part of a broader vision to rebrand Nigeria as a nation of excellence, saying the project “reflects us as people of quality and character.”
Wike had earlier highlighted that the International Conference Centre, originally constructed in 1991 under General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government, had not seen any renovation until now. He described its former state as embarrassing and stressed the importance of maintaining the facility going forward.
To ensure sustainability, the minister announced that ministries and government agencies will now be required to pay to use the centre.
“There’s no free usage anymore,” Wike said. “Whether you’re a ministry or an agency, if you want to use the facility — even for weddings — you must pay. That’s the only way it can be sustained.”
President Tinubu echoed that policy, endorsing Wike’s stance on maintaining the centre through proper usage fees.
The renovation was carried out by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and the facility has since been renamed in honor of President Tinubu.
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