President Bola Tinubu has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to stay focused on delivering quality infrastructure in the capital and ignore critics who may attempt to distract him from his work.
Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, President Tinubu commended Wike’s performance in overseeing the revamp of one of the capital’s most iconic venues.
“You’re a transformational leader,” Tinubu said. “You have the foresight and determination to succeed. Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work.”
The ICC, located in the heart of the nation’s capital, was built in 1991 under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Since its commissioning, it had suffered from years of neglect, with no major renovation undertaken until the recent overhaul.
Describing the facility before the intervention as an “eyesore,” Wike said the decision to rehabilitate the ICC was made in line with President Tinubu’s “matching order” to improve public infrastructure across the territory.
“The centre had been abandoned for decades,” Wike said. “But when the president gave us the mandate, we moved with speed despite pressure from some quarters. I won’t mention names, but there were those who tried to frustrate the effort.”
The minister noted that the renewed ICC would now operate with a new policy direction. “Any agency or ministry that intends to use the halls within the centre must pay,” he said, stressing that the facility must generate revenue to fund its maintenance sustainably.
President Tinubu, who inspected the conference centre before the event, remarked that the project is in line with his administration’s drive to deliver value and redefine the culture of public service delivery.
“This rehabilitation is not just about physical infrastructure,” he said. “It is about changing the way we do things and reflecting us as people of quality, people of character.”
The event marks another major infrastructure unveiling under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has seen increased attention on capital development projects, particularly in Abuja. Tinubu’s public support for Wike, a former Rivers State governor, comes amid speculation over political tensions and criticism from sections of the public regarding the minister’s style.
But for Tinubu, results are what matter.
“Leadership is about taking bold steps,” he said. “This is the kind of performance we need in the FCT.”
