President Bola Tinubu has told the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike not to pay attention to side talks or distractions. He made the statement on Tuesday during the reopening of the upgraded International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.
The president gave the advice while commending the minister’s work on the rehabilitation of the ICC, which had fallen into poor condition since its construction in 1991. Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu acknowledged the effort Wike has put into the project and urged him to remain focused despite outside interference.
“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, encouraging Wike to ignore critics and continue delivering results for the capital city.
Earlier in the event, Wike shared his experience with pressure from unnamed individuals during the process of rebuilding the centre. He credited Tinubu’s leadership for backing the project and allowing him to move quickly with its execution. Wike noted that the ICC was once a prestigious facility but had been neglected for decades before now.
“The centre was built in 1991 by the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. Since then, no major work had been done. It became an eyesore,” Wike said.
He also pointed out that strict measures will now be in place for anyone wishing to use the venue. According to the minister, payment will be required from all government agencies or individuals using the space, in order to maintain its condition and services.
“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’s 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 added.
President Tinubu agreed with Wike’s position and noted that it is necessary to make sure public structures are properly maintained. The newly renovated conference centre, now named after President Tinubu, was rebuilt by Julius Berger Engineering Company.
