President Bola Tinubu has encouraged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to disregard detractors and focus on his transformative work in the Federal Capital Territory.

Tinubu commended Wike’s leadership, emphasising that the centre’s overhaul reflects his administration’s commitment to excellence and quality governance.

The president stated this during the inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitated International Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Wike praised President Tinubu for showing leadership by giving him a matching order to rehabilitate the centre. The minister added that he received pressure about the project from some people whose names he didn’t mention.

In his speech, President Tinubu said the centre’s rehabilitation is part of his administration’s efforts to “change the way we do things and reflect us as people of quality, people of character.”

Reacting to Wike’s remark about pressure from people, Tinubu told the minister to focus on his work in the FCT and ignore busybodies and bystanders.

“Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You’re a transformational leader. You have the foresight and determination to succeed.”

Earlier in his speech, Wike said the conference built in 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida was an eyesore because no renovation work has been done on it since its first inauguration.

Wike said any agency or ministry that intends to use the halls within the centre must pay to sustain and maintain the facility.