BUNMI TUNJI-OJO’S TRACTION IN THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
Following his sterling performance as Interior Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Hon. (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has been severally described glowingly by various groups and individuals. While some described him, arguably or unarguably, as the best performing Minister in the present administration, some have described him as the brand ambassador of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The most heartening and perhaps for the first in Nigeria’s political trajectory is that even Nigerians in the diaspora who deride Nigeria could not hide their love and admiration for the Interior Minister who they describe glowingly. To this end, I am cock sure, and confidently so, that a lot of laurels and garlands would adorn him.
The manner at which he re-engineered and repositioned the entire Ministry of Interior and its staff for optimal performance through enhanced capacity development for prompt service delivery deserves commendation. Of a truth, the four para-military agencies under his supervision have had their fair share of the myriads of transformational feats which are ochestrated by his midas touch.
However, this piece probes into the secrets behind the success of this man whom I have described at several fora as one of the best ‘political exports’ from Ondo State. He succintly epitomises this in the Federal Executive Council and perhaps is the best in the recent times.
I will like to x-ray some of the traits that contributed to the making of the Interior Minister.
Firstly, Hon. (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a fast thinker who combines mental agility with physical zest as well as zeal. An interface with him would definitely reveal this quality and I think workers in his Ministry should have been able to attest to this. It is a fact that within a short time in office his name and achievements emblazoned not only the borders of Nigeria but even beyond her shores. The manner at which foreign envoys and emissaries pay courtesy visit to him is an attestation of international perception and reckoning of his excellent performance.
The truth is that what a man does not have, he cannot give. Another attribute of his is that he is super intelligent and highly cerebral. One cannot but appreciate the wealth and depth of his knowledge when he talks. His intelligence should have stemmed from his voracious lifestyle of reading. Honourable Tunji-Ojo is a great reader of materials, with a rich library of various books ranging from biographies, fiction, non-fiction as well as academic materials, and the rest.
In addition, Honourable Tunji-Ojo is a great motivator and team leader who leads by example and not just a laissez-faire leader. His speeches and addresses which are often salted by motivational quotes embolden and drive towards attainment of goals and delivery of results.
Furthermore and to say the least; he is an uncommon manager of men and resources. He knows how to use what he has to get what he wants. His attitude to timely delivery on any given assignment has actually helped him to manage whatever is at his disposal to achieve his goals and this has been enhanced by his ability to also think outside the box.
Never has it been recorded that officers and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), popularly known as Civil Defence, have been promoted in large numbers as they got from the incumbent Minister of Interior. The import of the mass promotion should not be lost on us. Motivation, in the form of promotion, is a catalyst to performance in the pàṣẹ of insecurity in our land.
Could I have been the only one who is just realising the nucleus status of the Ministry of Interior? Tunji-Ojo has brought that strategic status and relevance of this Ministry to the fore. His office is a rallying point to all other Ministries – a vital link in the chain of governance.
The issue of upgrading of border settlements to boost security has opened up the threshold of discourse on addressing insecurity vis-a-vis the porosity of our international borders. It suffices to state that he has brought ingenuity and creativity into administration of that Ministry.
For the constraints of time and space, an encyclopedic volume could be written on this man of many parts who is easily amenable to progressive moves and is a great team player. Nigeria is blessed to have him at this auspicious time. With the spate of innovative strides being showcased in all arms of the Ministry of Interior which he superintends, there is no doubting the fact that he is on the path of rendering an excellent score card.
Without any form of equivocation, he is fast leaving his footprints on the sands of time. He would surely be on the good side when the history books of this present time are written. A title like “Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo – There was a Minister” would not be a poor one.
Olumide Obadele writes from Akunu Akoko, Ondo State.
