The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has announced that the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) will be the first project to be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made the statement following an inspection of the project in Abuja on Friday, explaining that the inauguration would mark the celebration of Tinubu’s second year in office.
He praised Julius Berger, the contractor responsible for the complete renovation of the facility, for the high-quality work completed thus far.
He further commended the company for adhering to the agreed timeline for the project’s completion.
The minister revealed that the centre had been in poor condition before Tinubu’s directive to rehabilitate and upgrade it to the status of an international conference venue.
Built in 1991, he noted, “It is surprising that no one had attempted to give it a facelift until now.”
He hailed the achievement as a prime example of “effective leadership.”
“No responsible leader would allow such a facility to be referred to as an international conference centre, given its deplorable state. Today, the centre has been transformed into a world-class facility, thanks to Mr President’s leadership and support. That’s what leadership is all about,” Wike said.
The minister also inspected the ongoing extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, being carried out by Julius Berger.
He expressed confidence that the first phase of the project would also be inaugurated by Tinubu to mark his second anniversary in office.
He praised the contractor for staying on schedule, stating, “Their commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of the project, from the equipment used to the skilled labour employed.”
“This project is a testament to the renewed hope agenda, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition,” Wike concluded.
(NAN)