…Wike Renames International Conference Centre After Him ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administra-tion’s determination to revitalise infrastructure across key sectors of Ni-geria. Tinubu said this on Tuesday while commis-sioning the iconic Inter-national Conference Cen-tre, Abuja, renamed after him by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The renaming comes af-ter the FCT Administration committed N39 billion to renovate the infrastructure built by the former Mili-tary Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida. President Tinubu un-derscored the importance of modern infrastructure, describing it as the back-bone of a thriving econ-omy in an inclusive and progressive society. “The International Con-ference Centre is part of our country’s larger vision to become a hub of origi-nal diplomacy, continental trade discussion, global partnership, and many more thoughtful, well-out-lined goals that reflect our Nigeria first,” the presi-dent stated. Tinubu equally lauded the commitment of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to details and qual-ity, urging him to remain focused and ignore distrac-tions. “Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are deter-mined to renew infrastruc-ture across the key sectors of this country: transpor-tation, healthcare, energy, and urban development.” He noted that the Minis-ter of the FCT has reflect-ed Nigeria and Nigerians in their real characters as a people with well-defined standards and strong deter-mination. He lauded the FCT Min-ister for portraying the country as such in the qual-ity of works being carried out in the nation’s capital. The president was lat-er taken on a guided tour of the refurbished facili-ty, hailing the work done on the conference centre, which hosts some of the most significant events in the FCT. “You reflect us as people of quality, people of char-acter, people of determina-tion, people of great spirit. That’s what we are. And I’m glad you are reflecting that. “Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and the bystanders; whatever they say, continue with your good work. “You are a transforma-tional leader. You have the foresight, the vision, and the determination to succeed. Thank you very much,” the president add-ed. Tinubu Insists MDAs Must Pay To Use Renovated ICC Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has direct-ed all Ministries, De-partments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to pay for the use of the facil-ity to ensure its upkeep and long-term sustainability. The Federal Capital Ter-ritory Minister Nyesom Wike had announced re-naming the Centre, which opened in 1991, as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Interna-tional Conference Centre. Recalling his previous visit to the centre during the 2024 ECOWAS Parlia-ment conference, Presi-dent Tinubu recounted his shock at its poor state. “When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament con-ference, the environment was dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable. I turned to Mr. Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’ He replied, ‘No, bear with us. We will do whatever we can to transform the place.’ Today, I am very happy. “The International Con-ference Centre is part of our country’s larger vi-sion to become a hub for regional diplomacy, conti-nental trade discussions, global partnerships, and other thoughtful, well-out-lined goals that reflect our ‘Nigeria First’ principle,” President Tinubu said. He praised Julius Berg-er Nigeria Plc, the original contractor, for delivering a high-quality renovation, adding that the quality re-flects what Julius Berger has been known for in this country for years. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu further assured Nigerians of his administration’s de-termination to revitalise infrastructure across key sectors, including trans-portation, healthcare, edu-cation, energy, and urban development. He commended the Min-ister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for completing the renovation within one year of the Centre’s closure. Senate President God-swill 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 collabo-rative spirit between the executive, legislature, and judiciary under President Tinubu’s leadership. Wike said the FCT trans-formed the facility within eight months after the pres-ident’s directive. “Mr. President, this transformation would not have been possible with-out your leadership. Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed be-cause they lacked your courage and vision,” he said. Wike stressed the need for financial discipline in maintaining the newly up-graded 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 broth-er’ 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 said. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is among several capital projects scheduled for commissioning by Pres-ident Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office.