Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has charged Chief Executives of agencies under the Ministry of Interior to ensure full delivery on their 2025 performance contracts, stressing that excellence and accountability must remain the watchwords of the Ministry. This was contained in a statement signed by Ibraheem Zakariyya, For: Director, Press and Public Relations.
Speaking at the closing session of the Ministry of Interior Sectorial Performance Review Retreat held at Zuma Resort, Suleja, Niger State, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that leadership requires building competent teams and working in unity as a family.
“Chief Executives, this is why you must have very competent lieutenants. The performance of this Ministry is a reflection of the dedication of everyone working together. Your output is my input, and when people say the interior is doing well, it is because you are doing well,” he stated.
The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, describing her as “the stabilizer of the Ministry, a lady with steel, and the trusted hand that helps navigate the dangerous terrain of public service.” He noted that her commitment and competence have been pivotal to the achievements of the Ministry so far.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also acknowledged the Directors and management staff of the Ministry, commending their sacrifices, dedication, and leadership in supporting both the Minister and the Permanent Secretary. He reiterated his belief that civil servants are not “evil servants” as often portrayed but are some of the best public officers he has had the privilege to work with.
In a special recognition, the Minister paid glowing tribute to retiring Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration, DCG Muhammad Umar (popularly known as MT), describing him as “a symbol of loyalty, principle, and character.”
“The story of our passport reforms and ICT innovations in Immigration can not be complete without MT. His 35 years of meritorious service speak volumes of his loyalty and professionalism. He may be retiring from uniform, but not from contributing his expertise, and the Ministry will always knock on his door for guidance,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo remarked.
He further encouraged officers still in service to emulate the values of loyalty and integrity, stressing that character remains the ultimate determinant of performance in public service.
While assuring that the Ministry of Interior will continue to deliver transformative policies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister urged all officers to see themselves as members of one family working towards a common goal of national security, stability, and service delivery.
The retreat, attended by Permanent Secretary Career Management Service Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Chief Executives of the Ministry’s agencies, Directors, and senior officers, provided a platform to review achievements, strengthen collaboration, and set new benchmarks for the year ahead.
END
