Opinion
Tunji-Ojo: The Face of Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Interior Ministry
By Haruna A. Okatahi
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, is revolutionizing the country’s immigration services through innovative initiatives. The introduction of a contactless application process for international passports is a significant step forward, eliminating corruption and making it convenient for Nigerians to apply from anywhere in the world .
This move aligns with the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) vision to become a modern, effective, and efficient immigration service.
But that’s not all – Tunji-Ojo’s efforts extend beyond this milestone. With the President’s approval to retain 50% of NIS’s internally generated revenue, the service will be able to invest in cutting-edge technology and innovation, streamlining operations to meet global standards and reducing passport processing delays.
Tunji-Ojo’s leadership is a testament to his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s interior ministry. As a young engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician, he’s bringing a fresh perspective to the role
His vision for a more efficient and effective immigration service is inspiring hope for a better future also his background as an ICT expert and entrepreneur has prepared him well for this role.
Ojo has already taken steps to address pressing issues. He’s ordered the removal of bottlenecks hindering seamless passport issuance and directed the Immigration Service to disengage from partnerships that slow down the process
This move aligns with his goal of enhancing national security and preserving citizenship integrity.
Tunji-Ojo has always emphasizes on the importance of identity management in safeguarding national security. He’s working to build capacity for domestic forensic analysis and eliminate identity theft
His experience in consulting for prominent organizations, such as the World Bank and NNPC, showcases his problem-solving skills.
As a young leader, Tunji-Ojo’s achievements demonstrate his dedication and expertise. His transition into politics was driven by a desire to serve humanity, earning him recognition from the
Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA)
Tunji-Ojo’s extensive experience in business management and consulting, spanning over 17 years across public and private sectors, makes him well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the Ministry of Interior
The Ministry oversees critical agencies like the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp. Notably, the Nigeria Immigration Service has struggled to meet its obligations, including issuing international passports to Nigerians.
However, with Dr. Tunji-Ojo at the helm, there’s a commitment to change. He has already made significant strides in addressing these issues, demonstrating his dedication to efficiency and effectiveness. For instance, he commended the outgoing Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, for her exceptional contributions, including clearing over 200,000 passport backlogs within two weeks.
Ojo brings a wealth of experience, having worked as an ICT expert and entrepreneur, and serving as a member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria
His leadership style embodies the essence of collaborative leadership, recognizing success as a collective achievement and empowering his team to contribute and grow together. His transformation agenda for the Ministry of Interior aligns with the 12 essential qualities of effective leadership, including *_Self-Awareness_, *_Respect_, __Compassion__, __Vision__, __Communication__, __Learning Agility__, __Collaboration__, __Influence__, __Integrity__, __Courage__, __Gratitude__, and __Resilience__.
Ojo has demonstrated his commitment to nurturing a culture of collective progress. He has launched initiatives such as the International Passport Automation system, which significantly reduces human interface in the passport application process and guarantees passport security
Before becoming Minister, he has served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State. He was also the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
COCTA endorsement of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s efforts is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards growth and development. It underscores the vital role of collaboration and positive reporting in driving collective progress ¹
To achieve this vision, stakeholders, media, civil society and citizens must join forces, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and mutual support. This synergy is crucial for addressing the country’s socio-cultural, economic, and political challenges
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to change and his achievements indeed make him “The Face of Renewed Hope” for Nigeria’s Interior ministry, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, transforming the ministry with his seven-point agenda
His leadership has also been marked by his commitment to staff welfare and his call for unified action toward the Renewed Hope Agenda . His achievements are a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Overall, Tunji-Ojo’s leadership promises a brighter future for Nigeria, built on transparency, accountability, and innovative solutions
Okatahi is the Director Strategic Communications,
Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA)
Writes from Abuja via
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Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.