Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has said that Nigeria’s future will be determined by the depth of unity among its people, the strength of institutional reforms, and a renewed national spirit anchored on collective responsibility.
Tunji-Ojo stated this on Friday evening at the Oduduwa Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he was conferred with an Award of Excellence in Public Service by the institution.
He described the honour as one that went beyond personal recognition, noting that it reaffirmed his conviction that Nigeria is on a steady path of renewal and progress.
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According to the minister, the award symbolised the growing belief in the country’s collective resolve to overcome its challenges and build resilient institutions.
He stressed that national renewal was no longer a distant aspiration but an ongoing journey sustained by courage, faith and shared responsibility.
“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. This award encourages us to continue on the path of national renewal with renewed faith, courage and hope”, Tunji-Ojo said.
He expressed confidence that the country was moving steadily towards a stronger and more resilient future, driven by reforms and the determination of its citizens.
Reflecting on his stewardship since assuming office in 2023, the minister highlighted key reforms within the Ministry of Interior, particularly the automation of passport application processes and the clearance of long-standing backlogs.
He said the reforms had strengthened border management and improved professionalism within the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Tunji-Ojo also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the policy framework for institutional transformation through the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the president’s vision as a mandate for efficiency, compassion and the restoration of national confidence.
Addressing students of the university, the minister underscored his firm belief that Nigerian youths remained the country’s greatest asset.
He urged them not to allow present-day challenges to blur their vision of the nation they aspire to build.
“You are the keepers of the future. Your ideas, courage, conviction and curiosity will determine the direction of our nation,” he told the students, while citing former South African President Nelson Mandela’s assertion that education remains the most powerful weapon for change.
He dedicated the award to young Nigerians, civil servants, his family and President Tinubu, whose commitment to reform, he said, continues to energise the country’s renewal efforts.
Tunji-Ojo also expressed gratitude to the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo University for sustaining a tradition of intellectual integrity and service to the nation.
Earlier, Adebayo Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, described the minister as a worthy ambassador of the institution who has consistently demonstrated the capacity to deliver solutions at various leadership levels.
“We commend the Minister of Interior for providing effective services and strategic leadership across the nation.
“He is a good ambassador of this university”, Bamire said.
