Unity, Reforms, Renewed National Spirit Will Shape Nigeria’s Future — Tunji-Ojo

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said Nigeria’s future would be shaped by the level of unity, institutional reforms and renewed national spirit demonstrated by its citizens.

According to a statement by his senior assistant on media and publicity, Mr. Babatunde Alao, the minister spoke on Friday while receiving an award of excellence in public service from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at the Oduduwa Hall, Ile-Ife.

According to the minister, the award went beyond personal recognition and reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria was rising on the strength of collective resolve and shared responsibility. He reiterated that national renewal is no longer a distant aspiration but an ongoing journey sustained by courage, faith and unity of purpose.

He said, “Let me affirm what I believe with all my heart: Nigeria is rising, 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. Hence, this award encourages us to continue on the path of national renewal with renewed faith, courage and hope.

“I remain convinced that Nigeria is moving steadily towards a stronger, more resilient future.”

Reflecting on reforms implemented since assuming office in 2023, the minister highlighted the automation of passport processes and the clearance of backlogs, noting that these initiatives have strengthened border management and enhanced professionalism within the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the framework for institutional transformation through the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the president’s vision as a mandate for efficiency, compassion and renewed national confidence.

Addressing students of the university, the minister  said Nigerian youths remained the country’s greatest asset.

“You are the keepers of the future. Your ideas, courage, conviction and curiosity will determine the direction of our nation, he said “

He urged them not to allow present-day hardships blur their vision of the Nigeria they aspire to build, while referencing Nelson Mandela’s assertion that education remains the most powerful weapon for change.

Tunji-Ojo dedicated the award to young Nigerians, civil servants, his family and President Tinubu, whose commitment to reform, he said, continued to energise the nation’s renewal efforts.

He further thanked the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo University for sustaining a tradition of intellectual integrity and national service.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the minister as a worthy ambassador of the university who has consistently demonstrated readiness to provide solutions through effective leadership.

“We commend the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing effective services and strategic leadership across the nation.He is a good ambassador of this university,” Bamire declared.