Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has announced the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre in honor of President Bola Tinubu. This announcement was made during the unveiling of the rehabilitated centre by President Tinubu in Abuja, marking the president’s second year in office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike also named several halls within the centre after key figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. The minister explained that this gesture was to express appreciation for their support of the FCT Administration and to highlight the positive working relationship among the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative arms of government.
Wike recalled that the conference centre, constructed in 1991 during a military regime, had not undergone rehabilitation since its inception. President Tinubu, as part of his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, ordered the rehabilitation of the centre due to its deteriorated condition. Wike emphasized that under Tinubu’s leadership, the centre has been transformed into a world-class facility, asserting that it now stands on par with international counterparts.
The minister noted that in order to maintain the facility, a fee would be required for its use, regardless of whether the user is a ministry or agency. He stressed that such measures were necessary to ensure the centre’s sustainability, dismissing any notion of free access based on personal connections.
Wike recounted challenges faced during the rehabilitation process, including a legal battle initiated by a politician previously tasked with managing the centre. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support in overcoming these hurdles.
President Tinubu praised Wike for his transformative leadership, recalling the centre’s poor condition during a prior visit. He commended Wike’s commitment to enhancing the facility and urged him to continue his efforts despite any criticism.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also lauded Wike for the successful renovation and transformation of the conference centre, acknowledging the collaborative efforts involved in the project.
NAN reports that the centre, built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in 1990 and completed in time for the 1991 OAU Heads of Government meeting, has long served as a venue for government functions, international summits, exhibitions, and corporate events.