Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urges Nigerian youths not to allow economic hardship and social pressures to weaken their vision for the nation’s future, describing young people as Nigeria’s most valuable asset.
Tunji-Ojo delivers the message while receiving an Award of Excellence in Public Service from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, during a ceremony held on Friday in Abuja.
“Young Nigerians carry the ideas, courage and determination that will define the country’s tomorrow,” the minister says, stressing that national renewal depends on unity, institutional reforms and a shared sense of responsibility.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, the minister says the award reinforces his belief that Nigeria continues to advance despite economic and security challenges. “This recognition goes beyond personal honour. It affirms our collective resilience, and the steady progress Nigeria is making,” Tunji-Ojo adds.
He credits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for providing direction anchored on efficiency, compassion and restored national confidence.
Tunji-Ojo dedicates the award to Nigerian youths, civil servants, his family and President Tinubu, while commending OAU for its enduring commitment to national service and leadership development.
Highlighting reforms under his tenure, the minister points to the automation of passport services and the clearance of long-standing backlogs as part of broader efforts to strengthen border management and public service delivery.
OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire, describes Tunji-Ojo as “a worthy ambassador” of the university, praising his leadership and reform-driven approach to governance.
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Korede Abdullah 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
