- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has charged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to continue with his good works and disregard the voices of critics.
Tinubu gave the charge while speaking on Tuesday at the commissioning of the renovated International Conference centre named after him in Abuja.
Wike had at the event announced renaming the Centre, which opened in 1991, as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Expressing his delight over the renovation of the centre, the President lauded Wike for his foresight, vision, and determination.
He however urged the Minister to pay no attention to critics who he labelled as ‘busybodies’ and ‘bystanders’
“I’m greatly honoured and happy to be here to reopen this international conference centre as part of our determined effort to change the way we do things to reflect us as people of quality, character, determination, and great spirit. That’s what we are.
“And I’m glad Nyesom Wike you are reflecting that. Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the foresight, the vision and determination to succeed.” The President said.
Tinubu recalled the dilapidated state of the centre during the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) conference held in the venue.
“When I attended the conference of ECOWAS Parliament here, it was a very dirty, disorganised, inhabitable environment.
“Aside from the side talk with the Senate President, I told Wike, I said but this conference centre is not reflecting who we are. Today I am very happy.” He said.
The President also commended the contractor, Julius Berger, for its commitment to details and good work.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to renew key sectors of the economy while noting that the renovated conference centre is part of his administration’s corporate larger vision for the reflection of his Nigeria’s first policy.
“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew all key sectors of the economy, transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development, We equally understand that modern infrastructre is the backbone of a thriving economy in an inclusive and progressive society.
“The international conference is part of our corporate larger vision to become a home for regional diplomacy, continental trading and discussions, global partnership, and many more thoughtful well outlined goals that reflects our Nigerian first.” He said.
Tinubu however urged the FCT residents to obey the FCT Minister while declaring that anyone interested in using the newly renovated Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre must pay for it.
“I thank all of you. Today I say once again to all of you, Bareka de Salah and you must obey what the landlord says. If you want to use this place, you gonna pay for it.” The President added.
In an earlier remark, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended 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 lauded the collaborative spirit between the executive, legislature, and judiciary under President Tinubu’s leadership.
On his part, Wike attributed the success of the project to Tinubu’s leadership.
“Mr. President, this transformation would not have been possible without your leadership. Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed because they lacked your courage and vision,” he said.
The Minister stressed the need for financial discipline in maintaining the newly upgraded facility,
“Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it. No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something,” he added.