President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, supervised the inauguration of the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, now renamed in his honour,. exchanging praises with the Minister
In turn, the President praised the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
While Wike praised Tinubu for the initiative to have a befitting conference centre for the nation and footing the bill of N39 billion, Tinubu too eulogised the Rivers State ex-Governor for rendering diligent service.
Tinubu said: “Today, I say once again to honour you, Barka da Salah, and you must obey what the landlord (Wike) says. You want to use this place you’re gonna pay for it.
“The refurbished ICC centre is part of the administration’s determined efforts to change the way we do things, to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, people of great spirits, that’s what we are.
“And I am glad, Nyesom Wike, you are reflecting that. Don’t pay attention to busybodies and the bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the foresight, the vision and determination to succeed.”
The event, held in the Federal Capital Territory, was attended by key government figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top officials.
During his speech at the ceremony, Wike attempted to justify the controversial decision to rename the centre after Tinubu, attributing the successful renovation to the President’s leadership.
He said, “It is important for the public to know and understand why this is called Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. This conference centre was built in 1991 under the military government.
“Since that time, nothing has happened to this International Conference Centre. Last year, July/August, you (Tinubu) came here to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament. It is an embarrassment for a country to still have this as an international conference (centre) then, and you said, ‘How can we have this’? That shows leadership.
“And you (Tinubu) said, ‘Next time you want to come here, you want to see a different international conference. Within eight months, Mr President, this is what we have. And I agree that without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible. You’re not the only President who has come here; so many Presidents have come here, and nobody has said this is what Nigeria needs.
“Today, this is the Bola Ahmed International Conference Centre, which can match any other international conference centre.”
The centre, initially constructed in 1991 during the military regime of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, had suffered years of neglect and underutilisation despite its prime status as a national conference facility.
In March, Wike disclosed that the renovation of the facility would cost the country N39 billion, a revelation that drew sharp criticism from many Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship and inflation.
Wike defended the cost at a media briefing in Abuja, claiming President Tinubu approved the funds and that the project was essential for Nigeria’s global image.
“I am pleased with what is happening. Julius Berger has promised us that they will complete it. The total cost is N39 billion, not N39 million,” he said.
“For everyone’s satisfaction, coming from a country like this, we cannot discuss having a befitting conference centre. What is the essence of Nigeria, the largest nation? Are we merely large in name? We travel globally and observe standards; why should our own be different?”
