By Ebenezer Mabiniola
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commended the speed and quality of work on the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), describing it as a reflection of what the capital city of Abuja deserves.
Speaking to journalists on Friday after inspecting the ICC and the N5 Road in Life Camp, Wike expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and dedication to transforming the facility into a world-class venue.
Wike stated, “I was thrilled to see the quality of the job, and I believe it’s a testament to what Abuja deserves. This is a prime example of effective leadership. When Mr. President inaugurated the Equal Rights Parliament late last year, the state of the ICC was appalling. No responsible leader would allow such a facility to be called an ICC.”
He revealed that he had alerted the President about the need for urgent renovation, saying, “I informed Mr. President that immediate action was necessary to restore the center to its former glory. That’s what leadership is all about.”
Highlighting the long period of neglect, Wike added, “The International Conference Center was built in 1991, and it’s surprising that no one had attempted to give it a facelift until now.”
He proudly announced the renovation’s completion: “Today, it’s been transformed into a world-class facility, thanks to Mr. President’s leadership and support. We’re grateful to Mr. President for his vision and commitment to excellence. I’m proud to say that we’ve completed the first project that we handed over to Mr. President for inauguration.”
The ICC, Wike confirmed, will be the first project inaugurated by President Tinubu as part of events marking his second year in office.
The Minister also discussed his recent trip to China, aimed at advancing water provision for FCT satellite towns.
“We have signed the provision of water to some of the satellite towns, and as I speak to you, Mr. President has also included part of the funding in the national budget, which has been passed,” he said. “We have also included it in our statutory budget, which has been laid before the National Assembly. We believe that next week, we will be invited for defense. This is a critical project for Mr. President.”
Wike emphasized that the city water supply is a major feature of the administration’s second-year inauguration, saying, “Part of it will be done along the airport road. But having done that, what about the satellite towns?”
According to him, “Mr. President said we must also provide water within the satellite towns. So, they are starting with Bwari, Karu, and part of Kubwa, and it is now with the Bureau of Public Procurement. The procurement is ongoing, and the company handling it will be CGC, as they are the ones doing the greater Abuja water supply.”
Wike concluded by noting, “Things are moving on well, thanks to God. But all this is also because we have strong support from Mr. President.”
