PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, not to be distracted by busybodies and naysayers but to focus on his mandate to transform the nation’s capital.
Tinubu stated this on Tuesday when he inaugurated the rehabilitated and refurbished International Conference Centre, Abuja, which was renamed in his honour as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The President said the refurbished international conference centre was part of his 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 vision, foresight and determination to succeed,” Tinubu said.
The President said his administration was aware that modern infrastructure remained the backbone of economic prosperity.
He said, “Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew the infrastructural and other key sectors of this country (including) transportation, healthcare, education, energy and urban development.
“Because we understand that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy in an inclusive and progressive society.”
Tinubu also said the rehabilitated conference centre was a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to “regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and many more thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our Nigerian first”.
The President also informed his political friends, appointees and government officials that there won’t be free usage of the conference centre for social or corporate events.
“You must obey what the landlord says. You want to use this place, you gonna pay for it,” Tinubu said in allusion to the statement earlier made by the FCT minister that the usage of the halls in the conference centre would attract fees.
The event was also attended by the FCT Minister Wike; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Ministers Wale Edun (Finance and Economy) and Lateef Fagbemi (Justice), among others.
Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and two-time governor of Rivers State, made the cabinet of the President who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 2023.
Aside from Wike, another member of the opposition who made the APC government cabinet later in October 2024 was Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who was appointed as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs despite being a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.