Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Minister of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dedicated his Vanguard Personality of the Year Award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, crediting the President’s leadership and support as the driving force behind his achievements in public service.
The Minister received the prestigious honour on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State. The award was presented to him by former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, in a ceremony that brought together distinguished Nigerians from various walks of life. Notably, this marks the second time the Minister is being honoured with the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award, further affirming his consistent impact and outstanding contributions to public service in Nigeria.
Speaking with gratitude and humility upon receiving the award, Tunji-Ojo said, “I want to especially thank God Almighty for this opportunity today and let me most especially and most significantly appreciate Mr. President, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the unique opportunity of service and for providing the enabling environment that has ensured our performance. This award is not just an award for our performance but it is an award for Mr. President for the leadership he has provided, the encouragement that he has given, and the wonderful grant he has provided for us to plant our seed of innovation.”
The Minister further assured Nigerians that the recognition would serve as a motivation to do more, stating that the award was not a destination but a work in progress and an invitation to continually strive for excellence. He pledged that the Ministry of Interior would remain committed to ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is firmly entrenched in its operations.
The Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards is an annual event dedicated to honouring Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development and social progress. This year’s top honours were conferred on Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, Founder and Chairman of MRS Holdings, and Minister Tunji-Ojo, for their outstanding contributions to the energy sector and public service respectively.
Other distinguished Nigerians were also celebrated at the event across various categories. Dr. Osahon Okunbo was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year, while Jim Ovia, Bishop Kukah, Vincent Maduka, Jim Nwobodo, and Bruce Onobrakpeya were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their enduring legacies. Festus Keyamo was named Public Sector Icon of the Year, and Mrs. Vicky Haastrup was recognised as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Dr. Stephen Akintayo and Alfred Temile were equally celebrated for their contributions to business and real estate respectively.
Several state governors were also recognised at the event for their exemplary leadership, including Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
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