The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday held a thanksgiving service to celebrate what he described as the successful completion of key infrastructural projects recently commissioned in Abuja.
The service was held at St. James Anglican Church in Asokoro and broadcast live on major television stations, including Arise TV, News Central, and AIT. Notable attendees included former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
The thanksgiving comes on the heels of a 19-day inauguration marathon initiated by the FCT Administration in June to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office. During the ceremony, Wike showcased a series of projects completed under his leadership.
Among the projects unveiled were the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), the Idu–Zuba link road, the A2 junction–Pai town road, and the Life Camp junction–Ring Road project.
A major highlight of the inauguration was the reopening of the ICC, which was renamed in honour of President Tinubu. The renovation cost, pegged at N39 billion, sparked public backlash over what many described as excessive spending.
Wike slams critics
However, Wike dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the expense was justified for a country of Nigeria’s status.
“People who criticise this project have no good taste,” he stated. “Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, must not only claim the title — people must see why we are the giant of Africa.”
The minister further asserted, “Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre.”
