President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, ICC, and directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to pay for using the facility for proper maintenance and sustainability.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, renamed the facility originally opened in 1991 as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Recalling his visit during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference, President Tinubu expressed shock at the facility’s previous poor condition.
“When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable. I turned to Mr. Wike and said, ‘This does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’ He replied, ‘Bear with us. We will transform it.’ Today, I am very happy,” Tinubu recounted.
The President emphasized that the upgraded centre aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of becoming a hub for diplomacy, trade, and global partnerships reflecting the “Nigeria First” principle.
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He praised Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the original contractor, for a high-quality renovation, citing the company’s long-standing reputation.
Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing infrastructure across sectors including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.
Commending Minister Wike for completing the project within a year of the Centre’s closure, Tinubu said: “Do not mind the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work. You are a transformational leader with foresight and determination.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also lauded the FCT Administration for naming halls at the Centre after the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria. He praised the unity among the executive, legislature, and judiciary under Tinubu’s leadership.
Wike noted that the transformation was completed within eight months of the President’s directive and credited Tinubu’s leadership and vision.
“Many presidents came here, but none had the courage and vision to demand change. Mr. President, your leadership made this possible,” Wike said.
He also stressed the importance of financial discipline in maintaining the facility:
“Whether you’re a ministry or an agency, you must pay to use this facility. No more favors for weddings or unofficial events. Beautiful spaces like this come at a cost.”
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is one of several capital projects being commissioned by President Tinubu in the FCT as part of activities marking his second year in office, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike.
Crediblenewsng.com
