HON. OLUBUNMI TUNJI-OJO: APPRAISING A REDEFINED, RESULT ORIENTED AND WORKAHOLIC INDIVIDUAL

By: Lateef Olawale

I harped on the capacity and capability of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo popularly known as BTO, noting that going by his antecedence as the Honorable Member, Representing Akoko North East and West at the Green Chamber, the minister represented his Constituents diligently, by bringing in dividends of democracy to his people irrespective of their class. Hon BTO ability to delivers on his new national assignment is sacrosanct, that's why he swung into action. 

Hon Tunji Ojo has proven that he has the zeal to turn around the fortunes of the ministry and its agencies by formulating policies that will help the country effectively deal with all issues around internal security.

He  itemised seven agenda that will be used to achieve a gargantuan success during his tenure as the Minister of Interior, they are;

*Deployment of Technology in border security*

 Federal government would deploy technology to effectively secure Nigeria’s borders.

He said: “We need to secure our borders and we need to ensure that all borders, either land, air, or sea borders, are all protected.

“We have to look into technology to complement and consolidate what we are already doing.

*Removal of passport bottlenecks*

He said the issue of visas and passport delays and bottlenecks would be looked into in order to sanitize the system.

He said Nigerians should be able to get their passports without going through stress, maintaining that it was their right to have the document.

Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, must be treated with respect in all our passport offices.

“Foreigners should be able to come to Nigeria based on merit. It can no longer be business as usual,”.

*Improved Fire response Time*

While noting that fire is a serious disaster, the minister said the Federal Fire Service must optimize its processes.

“For the Federal Fire Service, the response time, we are going to look into that.

“I know you have your challenges, but I am going to work with you to tackle them."

*Decongestion of custodial centres*

Hon. Tunji-Ojo said he would work with critical stakeholders on the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

“We have to look at how to decongest the custodial centres and effectively integrate ex-convicts back into society. Our custodial centres must become places of hope.”

*Tackling insecurity*

The minister vowed that he would make sure the internal security situation in Nigeria improved so that Nigerians could sleep with their eyes closed.

Tunji-Ojo, who harped on pro-activeness, said all variables that contribute to insecurity would be dealt with before they escalate.

While positing that security is a right, “We can’t embarrass the president, we can’t disgrace the president.

“He wants performance and you (officials of the ministry) will perform. Nigerians must sleep and be able to close their eyes.”

*Reformation of Inmates*

Hon. Tunji Ojo also expressed dismay that the Nigerian correctional system is only recycling criminals, vowing to halt the trend.

“What we have is a system where we are recycling criminals. They get incarcerated, do their time, discharged to society and they go back to crime and get arrested and incarcerated all over again,” he said.

He promised to make the correctional institution a place where criminals will be reformed and released to make meaningful contributions to society when released.

*Passage of new Fire Act*

Tunji-Ojo also lamented the lackadaisical attitude of Nigerians towards fire safety, insisting that he would see to the passage of the new fire service act to ensure that residential buildings obey fire laws.

He said Nigerians lose so much to fire outbreaks, adding that action must be taken to address the situation.

“You have a fire extinguisher in your car but you don’t deem it fit to have one at your home where you spend more time. We will ensure that Nigerians take fire safety seriously,” he added.

With the above itemised agenda by a serious minded Minster,  Hon. Tunji Ojo as make a significant step towards bringing about positive change in the internal affairs of our country. 

With his technological experience and qualifications, he will surely make a difference in the ministry in other to contribute to the nation’s progress.

“His appointments would bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and effective leadership to the helm of affairs. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has picked the best hand in person of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo for this position to tackle the challenges facing the interior ministry

“Without mincing words, he will prioritize the country’s development, address pressing issues, and implement policies and initiatives that will improve the lives of the citizens. 

Through his commitment in getting positive results, he will work diligently, transparently, and with a strong sense of accountability to fulfil his national assignment.

“It is important to note that the success of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo appointment relies not only on the capability and dedication of his individual, but also on the support they receive from the governmental system, civil servants, and the Nigerian people as a whole.

Collaboration, effective governance, and the commitment to serving the nation’s interest will be crucial in achieving the desired acrobatic change that Nigerians anticipate”.

Lateef lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his resilience in making Nigeria a better place, pointing out that the Nigerian youths are solidly behind him and his renewed hope agenda.

Lateef Olawale is an Educationist, Fire Safety Officer, Computer Literate and Lover of Good and Workable Governance.

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