The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has approved funds for the maintenance of the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre.
The Minister made this known after routine inspections of both religious centres in Abuja on Thursday.
Wike said he was satisfied with the work done at both the National Mosque and the Christian Centre, despite the initial stoppage of the work by contractors due to additional work to be done.
He said the Christian Centre had requested funds for Phase 2 of the renovation, noting however that if the FCT did not have the funds to complete the project, he would meet with President Bola Tinubu for more funds.
He said, “Jobs were awarded for the maintenance of the two national monuments, which are the mosque and the church, and the jobs stopped because there were additional works that ought to be done.
I’m satisfied with all I have seen today, and I have given my approval that the money should be released to the contractors to complete the additional project.
While the Christian Centre had requested phase II, I said that I would look at the cost; if it is within what the Ministry of the FCT can build on its own, we would likely go ahead, but if it is what is above our threshold, we would have to go back to Mr President for approval”.
Wike further emphasised that the maintenance of both religious centres was part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and that the President was not against any religion but was interested in inclusivity for persons of both faiths.
“What this tells you is that it is in line with the agenda of Mr President, which is the Renewed Hope agenda of running an inclusive government and not abandoning national monuments like this, which is part of our pride. Look at what we saw at the mosque, see the landscaping, and look at what we have seen here in the church and the landscaping.
“They are built for the city, and that is why I have said that Mr. President is not anti-any religion. He takes all religions as one because we are all one Nigeria. Of course, you should know that he gave me the approval to come and visit these places and take up what it requires to be done”.
