President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commissioned the newly refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing the project as a testament to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a symbol of Nigeria’s drive for excellence.
The event, which comes just days before the country marks Democracy Day, was attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Tinubu had returned from Lagos earlier that day following Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Originally the Abuja International Conference Centre, the facility has undergone a ₦39 billion upgrade and now bears Tinubu’s name. The president commended Wike and contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for delivering a world-class centre, calling it a reflection of Nigeria’s values of resilience, character, and determination.
> “The refurbished ICC is part of our 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,” Tinubu said.
He also praised Wike for his leadership and commitment to infrastructure development in the capital, calling him a “transformational leader” with “foresight, vision and the determination to succeed.”
> “Don’t pay attention to busybodies and bystanders. Continue your good work,” he added, urging Wike to stay focused despite criticisms.
In a lighter moment, Tinubu joked about the centre’s management and fee structure, saying:
> “You must obey what the landlord (Wike) says. You want to use this place, you’re gonna pay for it.”
Wike affirmed that all ministries, agencies, and private users would be required to pay for the use of the facility, noting that Julius Berger would handle its ongoing maintenance to ensure quality standards and avoid political interference.
In honour of key figures in the current administration, several halls in the centre have been renamed after Vice President Shettima, Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, and Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
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