Tunji-Ojo Named Minister of the Year as Interior Reforms Earn Recognition

Tunji-Ojo Named Minister of the Year as Interior Reforms Earn Recognition

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has received the ‘Minister of the Year’ Award from Democracy Newsline Newspaper, with the organisers citing reforms and changes in service delivery across agencies under the ministry.

Tunji-Ojo received the award during the newspaper’s 16th anniversary ceremony in Abuja.

The recognition comes amid ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Interior, particularly in the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Fire Service.

In an acceptance speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Director of the Federal Ministry of Interior, Mrs Adogeri Beloved, Tunji-Ojo described the award as a responsibility to sustain the reforms rather than merely an honour.

He dedicated the recognition to personnel across the ministry and its agencies, acknowledging their role in implementing the government’s reform programmes.

“I dedicate this honour to the gallant officers and men of the Ministry of Interior and its agencies. This award belongs to them. Their sacrifice, dedication, and professionalism are what have made the reforms we are undertaking possible,” he said.

The minister said the recognition would encourage the ministry to push ahead with reforms in immigration, correctional services, civil defence and fire service, particularly in areas linked to national security and public safety.

Among the initiatives cited by the organisers were technology-based changes to passport processing, measures aimed at reducing congestion in correctional facilities and efforts to improve personnel welfare.

The organisers said the award was intended to recognise the impact of the reforms on the operations of agencies under the ministry and their responsiveness to members of the public.

Tunji-Ojo also commended Democracy Newsline for its role in journalism and for recognising individuals and institutions considered to have contributed to governance and democratic development.

The award adds to the growing public scrutiny of the ministry’s reform efforts, particularly as agencies responsible for immigration, corrections, civil defence and emergency response continue to face demands for greater efficiency, accountability and improved public service.