President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his performance and leadership, particularly during the official commissioning of the extensively renovated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja. The President urged Wike to disregard critics, whom he termed "busybodies and bystanders," and to continue his impactful work, affirming Wike's status as a "transformational leader." The renovated facility was also officially renamed the "Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre" during the event.

President Tinubu was unequivocal in his support for Minister Wike, stating, “Do not pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work. You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision, and determination to succeed.” This public endorsement came amidst various discussions surrounding the minister’s administrative style, with the President signalling that tangible results are the primary measure of performance under his government.

Recounting a previous visit to the ICC during an ECOWAS Parliament conference, President Tinubu described its then-deplorable condition. “When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable,” he recalled. “I turned to Mr. Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’” Wike had assured the President at the time that the centre would be transformed, a promise Tinubu acknowledged was fulfilled.

The President expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome of the renovation, which Minister Wike stated was completed within eight months following the President's directive. The quality of the refurbishment, executed by the original contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was also praised by Tinubu, who noted it reflected the company's long-standing reputation for excellence in Nigeria. Wike explained that the centre was renamed after President Tinubu because it was his leadership and "marching order" that spurred the rehabilitation effort, making the facility comparable to any international conference centre globally.

The upgraded conference centre is positioned as a critical component of Nigeria's broader vision under the "Renewed Hope Agenda," which aims to revitalize infrastructure across key sectors including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development. President Tinubu emphasized that the project reflects Nigeria's identity as "a people of quality, character, and great spirit" and its ambition to become a prominent hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, and global partnerships. He stated, "Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew infrastructure and believe in ourselves, in what we can do and what we can be – a great nation on earth.”

A significant directive issued by President Tinubu was the mandate for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for the use of the conference centre. “You must obey what the landlord said. If you want to use this place, you must pay for it,” he asserted, stressing that this financial discipline is crucial for the facility's upkeep and long-term sustainability. Minister Wike echoed this sentiment, stating, “Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it. No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something.” This policy extends to ensuring the centre is not available for free for private or social events, underscoring responsible use of public assets.

During the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the FCT Administration for its thoughtful gesture of naming halls within the newly renovated centre after the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, hailing the collaborative spirit fostered under President Tinubu's leadership. Minister Wike reiterated that the transformation would not have been possible without President Tinubu's decisive leadership and vision.