Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has firmly stated that Nigeria is on a steady ascent despite the significant challenges the nation currently faces. He stressed that the country’s trajectory toward a brighter future will ultimately be shaped by national unity, profound institutional reforms, and a revitalized spirit of patriotism among its citizens.
The Minister made these assertions Friday night while being honoured with an Award of Excellence in Public Service from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at Oduduwa Hall, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to a statement released Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, Tunji-Ojo views the honour as more than personal recognition; he sees it as an affirmation of a collective national resolve. He stated that the moment reinforced his conviction that Nigeria’s renewal is already an ongoing reality.
The Strength of Collective Will
Dr. Tunji-Ojo maintained that national renewal is no longer a distant aspiration but a living journey, continually strengthened by courage, faith, and the shared responsibility of Nigerians. He insisted that despite prevailing difficulties, the country’s overall direction remains positive.
“Let me affirm what I believe with all my heart, ‘Nigeria is Rising’,” the Minister declared. “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.”
He added that the OAU award serves as encouragement to continue on the path of national renewal with renewed faith, courage, and hope, concluding: “I remain convinced that Nigeria is moving steadily towards a stronger, more resilient future.”
Reflecting on Key Reforms
The Minister used the occasion to reflect on the significant reforms his ministry has undertaken since he assumed office in 2023, highlighting notable improvements in internal security administration and service delivery. He pointed to the successful automation of passport processes and the clearance of the historic backlogs, emphasizing how these actions have not only enhanced professionalism within the Nigeria Immigration Service but have also significantly streamlined border management.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed his deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing what he termed a clear framework for institutional transformation through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the President’s vision constitutes a mandate for renewed national confidence, efficiency, and compassion in governance.
Message to the Youth
Addressing the students of Obafemi Awolowo University directly, the Interior Minister stressed that Nigerian youth remain the country’s most powerful asset. He urged them not to lose faith in the nation’s future despite current hardships.
“You are the keepers of the future. Your ideas, courage, conviction and curiosity will determine the direction of our nation,” he charged, citing Nelson Mandela’s assertion that education remains the most powerful weapon for change.
The Minister dedicated the Award of Excellence to young Nigerians, dedicated civil servants, his family, and President Tinubu, whose commitment to reform, he said, continues to energize the process of national renewal. He also thanked the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo University for upholding its tradition of intellectual integrity and national service. Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described Dr. Tunji-Ojo as a worthy ambassador of the institution, commending his performance across various leadership roles. “We commend the Minister of Interior, Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing effective services and strategic leadership across the nation. He is a good ambassador of this university,” Bamire stated.
