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Tag: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

  • Group lauds reforms by Interior minister

    Group lauds reforms by Interior minister

    A non-governmental organisation, Mandate Defenders has lauded the reforms introduced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    The group said various initiatives introduced by Tunji-Ojo have brought lasting tranformatiom to the activities of the ministry and by extension improved Nigeria’s internal/homeland security.

    “We, at the Mandate Defenders view the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as the star boy of the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration,” a statement by its National Convener, Danielson Akpan said.

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    The statement said the minister, since his appointment, “has not only lived up to expectations, but has proven beyond reasonable doubt that his desires for change is immeasurable.”

    The statement added: “We believe that in service to the country, Minister Tunji-Ojo has selflessly turned around the fortunes of the federal ministry of Interior and maintained homeland security. The now vibrancy among the agencies under the purview of Minister Tunji-Ojo, tells of his indelible commitment to work for the betterment of the people.

    “Mandate Defenders have not found space to exhaust the performance of a workaholic Minister, but we would have time to ask Nigerians to look at Minister Tunji-Ojo and have hope for Nigeria, irrespective of the current economic hardship, he has put smiles on the faces of parastatals under his watch.

    “Mandate Defenders will continue to draw the attention of the public to performing government and private individuals, but will not hesitate to caution those who are going off the track.”

  • Tunji-Ojo, Correctional Service and global standard

    Tunji-Ojo, Correctional Service and global standard

    By Femi Salako

    Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,Minister for Interior has strongly refuted claims of complacency and highlighted significant strides made under his leadership to reform and modernize the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). Since assuming office in 2023, the Minister has demonstrated a clear commitment to transforming the system in line with global best practices, ensuring improved conditions for both inmates and correctional personnel.

    One of the Minister’s first actions was the release of 4,086 inmates, a move aimed at decongesting the overburdened correctional centres. This initiative was made possible through a fund of N585 million raised via corporate social responsibility efforts, providing options of fines and compensations for minor offenders. This pragmatic step not only reduced the inmate population but also eased the strain on resources, contributing to more humane conditions for those remaining in custody.

    Recognizing the need for better living standards within correctional centres, the government has increased the daily feeding allowance for inmates to N1,125, ensuring that their nutritional needs are adequately met. In addition to this, there has been a widespread renovation and modernization of correctional facilities, with the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, FCT, standing as a prime example. Renovated cells now feature improved conveniences, beds, and access to clean water, in accordance with the United Nations’ Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Offenders (also known as the Mandela Rules).

    These upgrades are part of a broader effort to create a more humane environment that supports the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, aligning Nigeria’s correctional system with international standards.

    A major highlight of the Minister’s tenure has been the introduction of an automated correctional system aimed at enhancing security and streamlining inmate management. The implementation of the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) has transformed the documentation process, ensuring that every inmate is properly tracked and that no one can be detained without a valid warrant from a competent court. This system, integrated with dynamic security measures, has boosted surveillance and offender identification, creating a more secure environment within the custodial centres.

    The Honourable Minister has also championed initiatives that give inmates the opportunity to better themselves during their time in custody. Through a collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), inmates can now pursue formal education, with some even studying at the doctoral level. Additionally, inmates are encouraged to acquire vocational skills, improving their chances of successful reintegration into society upon release.

    Medical services within the correctional centres have also been upgraded, with centres now able to offer basic healthcare services. For more complex medical cases, inmates are referred to government hospitals, ensuring their health needs are adequately addressed.

    In parallel with improvements for inmates, the welfare of correctional personnel has received substantial attention. The Minister has worked to ensure that their salaries reflect current economic realities, and that promotions occur promptly. Furthermore, correctional officers have benefited from regular training and retraining programs, equipping them with the skills to perform their duties in line with global standards. Personnel have been given opportunities to attend courses, seminars, and conferences both locally and internationally, fostering a more professional workforce.

    The Honourable Minister’s dedication to creating a functional, efficient, and humane correctional service has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Public Service Person of the Year 2023 by Leadership Newspaper and has received numerous other awards from national tabloids. His reforms, aimed at aligning Nigeria’s correctional system with international norms, have earned him widespread praise.

    The Ministry of Interior remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s correctional services continue to improve, providing humane conditions for inmates while fostering rehabilitation and reintegration. The public is urged to disregard any reports of complacency, as the ongoing reforms speak for themselves. Under the Honourable Minister’s leadership, Nigeria is on the path to having a correctional service that can be a model for the rest of Africa and the world. The Minister’s actions are fully in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting a government dedicated to transparency, reform, and improved governance.

    • Salako is media consultant

  • FG may relocate Ikoyi prison, others, says Interior Minister

    FG may relocate Ikoyi prison, others, says Interior Minister

    The federal government said plans are underway to relocate Ikoyi prison and some other correctional centres from urban centres in the country to other areas.

    The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, June 6.

    The minister said urbanisation has eaten into the setbacks that ought to be around correctional centres in the country.

    Tunji-Ojo said: “Under this administration, we’ve not had any jail attack; what we’ve had was force majeure which was Suleja because that particular correctional centre was built in 1914. It’s about 110 years old.

    “President Tinubu was not President a 110 years old. He inherited 256 correctional centres that needed attention. There is no way he would have completely overhauled it in one year.

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    “I must talk about urbanisation. Look at Suleja for example, the Suleja correctional centre that came down was only 7 metres away from the next house. Instead of what the law says which is a buffer space of 100 metres. So, urbanisation has eaten deep.

    “Look at Ikoyi Correctional Centre sharing a fence with (another house). What’s (a) the correctional centre doing in Ikoyi? This administration is looking at being able to initiate the process of possibly relocating some of these correctional centres.”

    He said the government would soon commence an “inmate audit” across the 256 correctional centres in the country and sanitise them by freeing those who don’t have any business being there in the first instance.

    Tunji-Ojo said President Bola Tinubu inherited so many old correctional centres that need attention but the government has started the renovation and rebuilding of some of the prisons in Nigeria.

    “We’ve renovated over 10 correctional centres under this administration,” he said, adding that the government has done “magic in the Kuje correctional centre,” he said.

  • BREAKING: FG declares Friday 29, Monday April 1, as public holidays for Easter celebrations

    BREAKING: FG declares Friday 29, Monday April 1, as public holidays for Easter celebrations

    The federal government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, 1st April, as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

    The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government.

    The minister made the declaration in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako.

    He urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

    According to the Minister, Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

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      He called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.

    He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.

     This, he said, is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.

  • FG reviews recruitment guidelines to accommodate 35% women in four agencies

    FG reviews recruitment guidelines to accommodate 35% women in four agencies

    The federal government has announced the review of the guidelines for recruitment into the Civil Defence,  Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services,  saying henceforth 35 percent of recruitment into the services would be allocated to women. 

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo broke the news at the end of the meeting of the Board of the Civil Defence, Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services in Abuja on Friday, January 19. 

    He said the 35 percent allocation of slots to women was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. 

    Tunji-Ojo, who spoke through the Secretary of the Board,  Ja’afaru Ahmed was flanked at the briefing by the Comptroller-General of Immigration,  Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju,  the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,  Dr Ahmed Audi and the Comtroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) Haliru Nababa. 

    The Commandant General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abdulgafar Jaji was also in attendance. 

    According to the minister, the on-going recruitment into the Federal Fire Service would be on the basis of the new guildlines which would focus largely on professionalism, gender mainstreaming and Federal Character principles. 

    Tunji-Ojo said: “The federal government through the Board has approved the review of the guidelines for recruitment into, and promotion in all the four Services under the Ministry of Interior. 

    “The development also come with modernisation of the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service. The modernisation is going to be all encompassing,  training,  recruitment, promotion, professionalism and capacity building and deployment of cutting-edge technologies “

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    The minister announced that the Services would in due course release timelines for recruitment into all the services. 

    He warned Nigerians interested in applying not to patronise scammers, saying that government is already aware of some scammers who are asking for money for recruitment into the Fire Service. 

    “This is to appeal to Nigerians not to patronise scammers. Anybody asking you to pay money to be recruited into any of the Agencies is a scammer. We are aware of their activities and we will go after them.”

    Shedding more lights on the modernisation of the Immigration Service, the Comptroller-General,  Mrs Adepoju, said the Service would emphasis on capacity building, specialisation along professional lines to ensure that promotion is not a reward for redundancy. 

  • Interior Minister asks for new date to appear at CCB

    Interior Minister asks for new date to appear at CCB

    Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, yesterday requested another date to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for an interaction over his link to one of the companies that got contract from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

    The minister, who was scheduled to appear before the CCB at 11 a.m yesterday, reportedly wrote to the bureau, requesting for another date.

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    The Nation learnt Tunji-Ojo informed the bureau that he had prior official engagement which he need to attend to.

  • Minister inaugurates training of Immigration personnel on automated passports

    Minister inaugurates training of Immigration personnel on automated passports

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Wednesday, January 3, declared opened the training on automated passport application for Passport Control Officers and Enrolment Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

    The minister said the training would update their skills and fine tune the knowledge of the personnel on efficient service delivery in line with the policy of the present administration to make procurement of Passports seamless for Nigerians. 

    The training programme which kicked off at the headquarters of the Nigeria  Immigration Service, NIS,  had in attendance the Comptroller-General of the Service, Mrs Wura-Ola Adepoju and the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Peter Egbodo. 

    The Minister said with the commitment and dedication displayed by officers of the service so far, launching of the automation process on Monday, January 8, becomes possible.

    The minister said the present administration has demonstrated that it was possible for Nigerians to obtain Passports anywhere in the world without delays. 

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    According to him impediments and human interference would be removed with the automated application processes, adding that the process would also eliminate sharp practices in whatever form or guise. 

    He commended the leadership of the NIS for their sense of commitment demonstrated so far and the cooperation given to the government. He said the stakeholders have also proven that Nigeria can do it. 

    In her remarks, the NIS boss Mrs Adepoju underscored the significance of the training to the challenges associated with automated passport application process, saying the Service would not tolerate any excuse from personnel in charge of the exercise. 

    According to her, the government had invested heavily on infrastructures that would enhance the automated process and remove all impediments and interference, asserting that much is expected by the government and Nigerians from Officers and men of the Service. 

    Mrs Adepoju assured that with the NIS would live up to expectations and deliver efficient and quality services to Nigerians. 

  • Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo beacon of hope for youths, Nigerians react

    Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo beacon of hope for youths, Nigerians react

    Nigerians have taken to social media to appraise the good works of the Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his outstanding performances since his appointment.

    President Bola Tinubu appointed Ministers in August, and many of them have swung into action but Tunji-Ojo stands out due to his impactful achievements such as clearance of passport backlogs, clearance of NIN backlog modifications, prison decongestion, e-gate in one of the international airports, etc.

    On X, formerly Twitter, Eniola tweeted: “Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo came to national politics underrated but with the little time spent as the Minister of Interior, he has proved that some big wigs are just overrated. “Thank you for changing the narrative and giving the youth a new perspective,” he added.

    On Facebook, Bright Okuta commented “Tinubu’s Interior minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is perhaps the only performing government official in this administration. He embodies competence, dedication and commitment. A worthy pick,” he concluded.

    Ben Ovo, X user noted, “Some of us have forgotten who a public servant is, but thanks to the minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for bringing back to our consciousness what it means to be a public servant. Thank you sir for your commitment and resilience towards positive change.”

    Similarly, AbuAbdulHameed7 said, “One of the most visionary and impactful ministers in PBAT administration is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister. What he has done so far has shown us that indeed Nigeria will be great and will prosper. We have never had a minister like him; selfless and a believer of a greater Nigeria.”

    Okani Evelyn echoes a similar notion, “Meet the most hardworking, most disciplined minister in this administration so far. Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has since his day of appointment proved to us that his not here to play. He has made me believe personally that Nigeria can be great again. Thank you, Honourable Minister, Sir.”

    Nkemdili Ofor on X praised the minister, “If competent was human, it would be you. You have raised the standards so high. Thank you for being so passionate and intentional about our country.”

    Tanimola Omotayo opined, “There is a man who is making us believe that the system can work and the name of that man is Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo He is a beacon of hope to the masses. BTO shall succeed and this brings us to the saying “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

    Olanrawaju Yetunde on Facebook said, “The Minister of Interior holds a special place in my regard. His consistent dedication and tireless efforts toward enhancing the interior dynamics of our nation have been truly remarkable. His unwavering commitment to improving systems and ensuring the well-being of our citizens resonates deeply with me. I find inspiration in his leadership style, which exudes confidence and a strong vision for a better tomorrow. His initiatives and proactive approach to governance reflect a genuine passion for positive change, instilling a renewed sense of hope for progress and development in our country. I deeply appreciate the Minister’s unwavering dedication and the impactful strides he’s making in shaping a brighter future for all.”

    In a similar Facebook post, Adeyemi Oluwasholape appreciates the minister’s spirit of getting the job done, “To the Interior Minister Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo. I sincerely appreciate your commitment and doggedness toward the development of this great nation, I am not one of those who go about hyping politicians but I must confess that your kind is rare. We need more of your kind in the political space to make Nigeria the home we all yearn to have. I pray for you today that your wishes will come through, your aura will be contagious in this administration, and through you, this country will breathe a good breath.”

    Another Facebook user, Oladapo Babatunde Aborowa pointed out Tunji-Ojo’s dedication to national development, “Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, stands as a prominent advocate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His unwavering dedication makes him a valuable gift from PBAT to Nigerians. It’s a privilege to work alongside such commitment. His dedication is a gift to Nigerians, and it’s truly an honour and privilege to work alongside him.”

    There are some reforms Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has planned for execution in 2024 by the instructions of President Bola Tinubu such as passport delivery at door steps of the applicants; Nigerians will have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, and other locations of their choice, establishments and rehabilitation of more prisons and barracks for the correctional workers, as well as further decongestion of the facilities, deployment of technology in our land borders because a safer border is a safer nation, adoption of reciprocity in issuing visas to foreigners seeking to enter our country and others.

  • BREAKING: FG declares December 25, 26, January 1, 2024, public holidays

    BREAKING: FG declares December 25, 26, January 1, 2024, public holidays

    The federal government has declared Monday 25, Tuesday, 26 December, 2023, and Monday, January, 1st 2024 as public holidays to mark Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government on Friday, December 22.

    He felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.

    Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Peter Egbodo, enjoined Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace, and righteousness that His birth signifies.

    He emphasised that peace and security are critical prerequisites for economic development and prosperity.

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    The minister assured that the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu would continue to put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property

    He urged Nigerians to be security conscious, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agencies.

    He reiterated that the Yuletide season calls for discipline to protect the lives and property of everyone in their respective communities and the nation as a whole.

    Dr Tunji-Ojo admonished all Citizens to remain focused that, the year 2024 will be a better year with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President.

  • Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is my Minister of the Year

    Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is my Minister of the Year

    I will always remember something Festus Adeniyi Keyamo, now Minister of Aviation, told me in the early 2000s while he was running his law firm on the premises where Maryland Mall now stands. Keyamo told me he was hungry for history to record him. He has come a long way between then and now. 

    The actions of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, President Bola Tinubu’s Minister of Interior, show him as someone ready for history to record him. He is thus my Minister of the Year and I am excited because he is of my generation. He is the gold fish with no hiding place. 

    Since taking office, he has taken steps to ease the chaotic passport acquisition process. He is also doing many more that will make the passport acquisition process seamless. 

    I look forward to the day when we would be able to get our new passports sent to us by courier or NIPOST or EMS Speedpost. They should either be posted through our letterboxes or handed to us if we’re home. In the alternative, a card can be left for us, or a letter can be posted to us about how we can get it. And we should be able to track our passport application using our application reference number. With what the Minister has done so far, I believe he has the capacity to do much more. 

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    We need to get to a stage where Nigerians abroad do not have to travel far to get their passport renewed. American citizens and British citizens have their passports mailed to them anywhere they are in the world, and they don’t have to go through the hell Nigerians overseas go through to renew their passports. I see the Minister achieving this. 

    The Minister is also taking steps to make our correctional centres truly correctional. I was glad the Ministry settled the fines for some detainees as a way of decongesting the prisons. This is really commendable. Overcrowding has to end. Years of infrastructure deficit, which is the bane of proper management of the sector, should be urgently addressed. The old order must give way fast. And given what Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated so far, I believe he can do it.

    I look forward to him taking more giant steps in 2024. He is the kind of people we need in government.