Wednesday June 11, 2025|
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed commitment to the revival of critical infrastructure across key sectors to stimulate economic growth and national development.
He spoke at the inauguration of the rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC), which the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, renamed as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The President described infrastructure renewal as the cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) and modern infrastructure as “the backbone of a thriving economy.”
He said: “Through the RHA, we are determined to renew infrastructure across the key sectors of this country; transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.
“Because we understand that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy in an inclusive and progressive society.”
The President noted that the transformation of the ICC is emblematic of a broader national vision to position Nigeria as a central hub for continental trade, diplomacy, and global partnership.
“The International Conference Centre is part of our country’s larger vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and many more thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our Nigerian First philosophy,” Tinubu added.
He praised the FCT minister for delivering on his promise to rehabilitate the conference facility, the president urged Wike to remain focused in the face of criticism and public distractions.
“Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and the bystanders, whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader; you have the foresight, the vision, and determination to succeed,” he told Wike.
Recounting his disappointment when he previously visited the ICC for the ECOWAS Parliament Conference, the president described the state of the facility then as “very dirty, disorganised, and as not habitable.”
According to him, he asked the FCT minister whether the condition of the building truly reflected Nigeria’s values and dignity.
“Have we sunk this low?” the President recalled asking, only to be assured by Wike that the facility would be transformed.
“And today, I am very happy,” Tinubu declared, praising the quality of the rehabilitation work.
“Today, we are not talking about renegotiation, we are talking about rehabilitation. We are talking about quality, commitment to detail and good work”, he said.
Commending the broader significance of the refurbishment, the President described it as a symbol of the national ethos of self-belief, progress, and renewal.
