By Nafisat Makinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC), now renamed THE BOLA AHMED TINUBU INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing critical infrastructure across Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He expressed his profound honor and happiness at the re-opening of the ICC, emphasizing that the rehabilitation reflects a determined effort to showcase Nigeria as a nation of quality, character, determination, and great spirit.
The President lauded Minister Nyesom Wike for his exceptional work, stating,
“Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders and whatever they say. Continue to do your good work. You are a transformational leader, you have the foresight, the vision and determination to succeed. Thank you very much”. He also commended Julius Berger, the contractor, for their quality work, stating, “Today we are not talking about renovation; we are talking about rehabilitation.
We are talking about quality, commitment to details and good work. It reflects what Julius Berger is known for in this country for years”.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Minister Wike for the “marvelous renovation job,” describing the previous state of the ICC as a “monumental embarrassment”. He praised President Tinubu’s transformative impact on the country, saying, “The Nigerian parliament is very proud of you. We are proud of the fact that we do budgeting, we give the approval and you do the execution. You have put on your thinking cap and you are very determined to leave Nigeria better than you met it”. Other dignitaries in attendance included Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
Minister Wike explained that the ICC was renamed THE BOLA AHMED TINUBU INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE because the President had directed its rehabilitation. He stated,
“Without your (President Tinubu’s) leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible – you are not the only President who has been here, so many presidents have come here and none said this is not what Nigeria needs. You gave a marching order that this is not the quality to show that Nigeria is the giant of Africa.
Today, this Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre can match any other international conference centre in the world.” The Minister also announced that all ministries and government agencies intending to use the facility would be required to pay a fee, emphasizing that this revenue generation model was crucial for the sustainable maintenance of the newly rehabilitated centre.
The President emphasized that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy and an inclusive society, reiterating his administration’s dedication to renewing infrastructure across key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development, all under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The International Conference Centre is integral to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, and global partnerships.
