President Bola Tinubu has commended Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), for his “excellent work” in transforming the city’s infrastructure.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday at the official reopening of the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
While praising Wike for embodying the true Nigerian spirit, Tinubu urged him to stay focused and dismiss criticism from “busybodies”.
Tinubu described Wike as a transformational leader with the vision and drive needed to deliver results, especially in the FCT.
“You represent us as a people of character, determination, and great spirit. I am pleased to see you reflect these qualities,” Tinubu said.
“Ignore the busybodies and bystanders; no matter what they say, keep up your excellent work.
“You are a transformational leader with the foresight and determination to succeed. Thank you very much.”
The president recalled his disappointment during a past visit to the ICC for the ECOWAS Parliament which necessitated the renovation of the facility.
“When I attended the conference of ECOWAS Parliament here, it was a very dirty, disorganised, uninhabitable environment,” Tinubu said.
“Aside from the side talk with the Senate President, I turned to Wike, I said, ‘But this conference centre is not reflecting who we are. Have we sunk this low?’
“He said no, but bear with us. We’ll do whatever we can do to transform the place. You won’t come back to find it in a dilapidated, uninhabitable situation as it is, and today I am very happy.”
He also commended Julius Berger, the contractor behind the renovation, for their quality workmanship and attention to detail.
“Today, we are not talking about renegotiation, we are talking about rehabilitation. We are talking about quality, commitment to details and good work. It reflects what Julius Berger has been known for in this country for years,” he said.
The president noted that the upgraded conference centre fits into Nigeria’s broader aspirations to become a hub for regional diplomacy, trade discussions, and global partnerships, and the ‘Nigeria First’ vision.
