President Bola Tinubu has called on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to remain focused on his duties and pay no attention to critics.
The president made the statement on Tuesday during the commissioning of the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.
Wike, while addressing the audience, commended President Tinubu for giving a clear directive that led to the centre’s renovation. He mentioned receiving pressure from unnamed individuals regarding the project.
In response, Tinubu described the rehabilitation as a reflection of his government’s commitment to improving standards and national image. He urged Wike to continue working and ignore those trying to distract him.
“Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You’re a transformational leader, you have the foresight and determination to succeed,” Tinubu said.
Wike noted that the conference centre, built in 1991 under General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime, had become dilapidated due to a lack of renovation since its launch.
He also announced that ministries and agencies intending to use the facility must now pay for it to ensure its upkeep.
“How do we sustain this? I want to let everybody know, whether you’re a ministry, or an agency and you want to use this, you have to pay something, that the only way it can be sustained. Nothing like my brother, my sister is going to have wedding. If you want to use a place like this, then you must drop something,” he stated.
President Tinubu supported Wike’s decision, agreeing that all users of the centre must contribute financially.
The centre, which was renovated by Julius Berger Engineering Company, now bears President Tinubu’s name.
What you should know
The International Conference Centre in Abuja, first commissioned in 1991, has been fully renovated under the Tinubu administration.
The project was overseen by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and executed by Julius Berger. The centre now operates on a paid-use basis to ensure sustainability.
