Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the country is “rising” on the strength of its collective resolve, insisting that national renewal is no longer an aspiration but a journey strengthened by courage, faith and shared responsibility.
Speaking at the conferment of his OAU Award of Excellence in Public Service on Friday at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, the Minister declared that the honour reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria’s future would be shaped by unity, institutional reform and a renewed national spirit.
Addressing a packed audience of university leaders, faculty members, dignitaries and students, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the award carried a weight far beyond personal recognition.
“Let me affirm what I believe with all my heart. Nigeria is rising. Not because our challenges have disappeared, but because our resolve is stronger than ever. Not because the path is smooth, but because our collective will refuses to bend,” the Minister said.
He described the award as a milestone, saying, it “encourages us to continue on the path of national renewal with renewed faith, renewed courage and renewed hope.”
What You Should Know
The Minister used the platform to reflect on key reforms he has undertaken since assuming office in 2023, linking their motivation to citizen dignity and institutional renewal.
He recalled an encounter with a young woman at an immigration office, a moment he said reaffirmed the purpose of governance.
“When she finally received her passport, she looked at me with visible relief and said, ‘Sir, today I feel seen by my country’. That moment touched me deeply,” he said.
According to him, the automation of passport processes, backlog clearance, improved border management and enhanced professionalism in the Nigeria Immigration Service were all grounded in that philosophy.
Renewed Hope Agenda as the Compass
The Minister credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the framework for institutional transformation through the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the President’s vision as a mandate for efficiency, compassion and national confidence.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted interventions in the Nigeria Correctional Service, recalling a moment when an inmate expressed gratitude for being reminded that he still had a future.
“I remember a visit to a correctional facility where a young inmate approached me quietly. He said, ‘Sir, thank you for reminding us that we still have a future’. His words stayed with me. They reaffirmed that a society is not truly just unless it believes in the possibility of human redemption,” Tunji-Ojo said.
On the role of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), he emphasised preparedness, discipline and strategy, citing Sun Tzu’s maxim that “the greatest victory is the one that requires no battle.”
He said the Ministry of Interior must continue to stand as a clear example of what Renewed Hope means in practical terms: functional institutions, humane service delivery and modernised systems that reflect the dignity of the Nigerian people.
A Call to Nigeria’s Young Minds
Turning to the students of OAU, he delivered an emotionally charged message anchored on the belief that the youth remain Nigeria’s most powerful asset.
“You are the keepers of the future. Your ideas, your courage, your conviction and your curiosity will determine the direction of our nation. Do not allow the hardships of today to blur your vision of the Nigeria you want to build,” he urged, echoing Nelson Mandela’s assertion that education is the most powerful weapon for change.
Tunji-Ojo dedicated the award to young Nigerians, civil servants, his family, and President Tinubu, whose commitment to reform, he said, continues to energise national renewal.
He expressed gratitude to OAU leadership for upholding a tradition of intellectual integrity and national service. Reinforcing the message of his closing remarks, the Minister said he remains convinced that Nigeria is moving steadily towards a stronger, more resilient future.
The ceremony concluded with applause echoing across Oduduwa Hall as attendees celebrated a moment that merged reflection, aspiration and renewed national confidence.
Talking Points
It is significant that Obafemi Awolowo University has conferred its Award of Excellence in Public Service on Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This underscores the depth of impact the Minister’s reforms have had on national governance and institutional efficiency.
From immigration automation to correctional reforms, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s approach places citizen dignity at the centre of government service delivery. His speech at the event further highlighted the philosophical grounding of these reforms.
By declaring that “Nigeria is rising,” he reframed public service as a long-term national renewal effort rather than a series of short-term administrative actions. This message resonates strongly in a country seeking credible governance narratives.
One of the most compelling aspects of his administration has been the emphasis on humane governance. Moments such as an inmate thanking the Minister for being reminded “that we still have a future” showcase the human impact behind policy changes, a perspective often missing in traditional public sector reform.
At Techparley, we recognise that the Minister’s reforms point to a broader shift in how public institutions can leverage innovation, compassion and strategy to rebuild citizen trust. If these reforms are deepened and scaled sustainably, they could help redefine the relationship between Nigerians and the state.
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