Why I named Abuja ICC After Tinubu, by Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has justified the renaming of the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a fitting tribute to a leader dedicated to transforming the capital and the nation.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the 15-kilometre Apo-Wassa road, Wike dismissed critics of the decision, questioning their silence when past leaders were similarly honoured.

“Some argue against naming the ICC after the President, yet these same individuals did nothing when they held power,” Wike said. “If Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and Moshood Abiola Stadium weren’t built by their namesakes, why oppose honouring a President delivering tangible results?”

The newly commissioned road, initially awarded in 2017 but stalled due to funding issues, was revived and completed under the Tinubu administration. Wike credited the President’s directive against abandoned projects for its success.

“This road was neglected for years, but President Tinubu insisted on its completion. Today, the results are clear for all to see,” he stated.

Responding to critics, Wike accused them of ignoring progress and economic realities.

“Some choose to be blind to development. If they refuse to see, that’s their problem,” he remarked. He also dismissed concerns over spending priorities, pointing out the difference in exchange rates between 1991 and now.

Wike reiterated his commitment to defending the administration’s achievements, stating, “I will stand by my boss. If critics are unhappy, they can remain so—Abuja is moving forward.”

He pledged to continue infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of roads and the relocation of the Apo mechanic village, ensuring promises are fulfilled under his supervision.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who commissioned the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) service carriageway, praised Tinubu’s focus on legacy projects despite criticism.

“The President urged us to ignore detractors and stay focused on delivering for Nigeria—and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Akpabio said. He hailed the road as a testament to good governance, improving connectivity between Abuja’s city centre and emerging districts like Wasa and Apo.

Akpabio commended Wike’s leadership and the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Ltd, for timely completion. He emphasized that such projects align with the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, including highways, railways, and urban renewal.

Concluding the event, Akpabio declared the road open, expressing gratitude for public patience and reaffirming the government’s commitment to national progress.

“God bless Nigeria and this administration’s efforts to build a prosperous future,” he said.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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