Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stirred both laughter and applause on Tuesday during the official inauguration of the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), now renamed in his honour — Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
In a moment of light-hearted firmness, President Tinubu endorsed the administrative style of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, jokingly declaring, “You want to use this place? You’re gonna pay for it!” — a remark that drew cheers from the audience and underscored the administration’s no-nonsense stance on public infrastructure management.
Speaking at the high-profile event, Tinubu praised Wike’s bold leadership and unwavering commitment to transformation, urging him not to be distracted by detractors.
“Don’t pay attention to busybodies and bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work,” Tinubu stated. “You are a transformational leader. You have the foresight, the vision, and the determination to succeed.”
The President further emphasized that the refurbished ICC symbolizes a new era of governance — one rooted in excellence, discipline, and national pride.
“The refurbished ICC centre is part of the administration’s determined efforts to change the way we do things — to reflect us as people of quality, character, and great spirit. That’s what we are,” he declared.
The event, attended by key government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other dignitaries, served as a powerful endorsement of Wike’s developmental strides in the FCT.
As political watchers continue to weigh the significance of the ICC renaming and the praise showered on Wike, many say the moment was as much about national pride as it was about political momentum.
