The Niger Delta Youth Parliament has declared the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the region’s ‘Most Reliable Export’ ahead of the maiden Niger Delta Youth Day Celebration 2026.
The minister is expected to receive the recognition at the two-day event scheduled to begin on November 19 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The organisation said the award was in recognition of Tunji-Ojo’s public service profile, contributions to national development and the inspiration his professional journey offers young people.
In a statement ahead of the celebration, the Niger Delta Youth Parliament said the recognition was part of efforts to celebrate individuals whose contributions have attracted attention beyond their immediate communities.
It added that the minister’s career provided an opportunity to encourage young people to embrace innovation, integrity, enterprise and purposeful participation in nation-building.
“The Niger Delta is richly endowed with human capital, intellectual capacity and exceptional talents. Beyond our natural resources, our greatest assets are our people.
“Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo represents an important personality in the national conversation about leadership, public service and institutional transformation. We are delighted to celebrate him and recognise his place in the story of our region,” the statement said.
Tunji-Ojo, who heads the Ministry of Interior, oversees key areas of national administration, including immigration, correctional services and citizenship matters.
The maiden Niger Delta Youth Day Celebration, with the theme, ‘From Vision to Reality: Transforming the Niger Delta through Innovation and Diversification’, is expected to attract young people, government officials, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners from the nine Niger Delta states.
The programme will feature leadership conversations, policy engagements, youth empowerment discussions, cultural exhibitions, innovation showcases, networking sessions and awards.
Participants are also expected to deliberate on economic diversification, entrepreneurship, skills development, technology, education, peace-building and sustainable regional development.
The organisers said the event would go beyond entertainment and ceremonial recognition, describing it as a platform to strengthen youth identity, promote positive leadership narratives and encourage greater participation in regional development.
The Niger Delta Youth Parliament said the celebration was part of its commitment to youth inclusion, regional integration, leadership development and sustainable development across the region.
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