President Bola Tinubu has called on Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to disregard critics and remain committed to his work, urging him to stay focused in the face of public scrutiny.
“Don’t pay attention to busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work,” Tinubu said on Tuesday at the reopening of the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre.
Speaking at the event, the President commended Wike’s leadership and tenacity, describing him as a dynamic force in public service.
“You are a transformational leader. You have the voice, the foresight, the vision and the determination to succeed,” he said.
Reflecting on his previous visit to the Centre during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference, Tinubu did not hold back in describing his disappointment at the facility’s condition.
“It was a very dirty, disorganised, uninhabitable environment,” he recalled. “This conference centre was not reflecting who we are as a people.”
Tinubu, however, expressed satisfaction with the recent improvements. “We won’t come back to find it in the dilapidated, uninhabitable situation it was. And today, I am very, very happy,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to those behind the renovation project, saying, “Thank you to the contractor.”
He stressed the importance of excellence and accountability in public projects. “Today we are not talking about renegotiation. We are talking about rehabilitation. We are talking about quality, commitment to detail and good work,” the President said.
In his remarks, Tinubu conveyed a sense of renewed national optimism. “From today, it’s a sign of a good thing that we are correcting, and we are reflecting.
“We are renewing our hope and believing in ourselves and what we can do,” he said. “What Nigeria can be is a great nation on our agenda.”
Reaffirming his administration’s focus on infrastructure, the President said, “We are determined to renew infrastructure across the key sectors of this country.”
He also placed the upgraded conference centre within the context of Nigeria’s wider ambitions. “The International Conference Centre is part of our country’s broader mission to become a hub.
“A place for genuine diplomacy, continental trade negotiations, global partnerships and many more deliberate, clearly defined goals that reflect our Nigerian identity,” he said.
