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Tunji-Ojo's visionary move: E-gates, Birth of New Era in Nigeria Immigration Process

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Traveling can be fun for most of us, but we can get apprehensive when we know that clearing at the immigration office will be stressful and burdensome. Coming into the country has been a cause for concern over the years, with customs and immigration officers delaying passengers unnecessarily and using their usual slogan, "Oga, wetin you bring come?" to try to get passengers to part with some money. This became a source of concern and embarrassment to the NIS and the Ministry of Interior. To curtail this ordeal, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, introduced the e-gate system, which is obtainable in some more advanced countries of the world. E-gates are electronic gates that use biometric technology, facial recognition, fingerprints, and passport scans to verify the identity of travelers, facilitating their passage through border control. On arrival, travelers have to pass through the gates, which involves biometric verification through facial or iris recognitio...

NSCDC: Champions of National Security and Public Safety by Oladapo Aborowa

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In a world filled with uncertainty, one agency has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting lives and property: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the selfless efforts of the NSCDC personnel who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our safety. Since its inception, the NSCDC has been at the forefront of national security, providing critical support to the military, police, and other security agencies. From counter-terrorism operations to disaster response, the Corps has consistently demonstrated its versatility and bravery. Under the new administration of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSCDC has launched several innovative initiatives, including Mine Marshal, Safe School Initiative, Special Intelligence Squad, and Special Intelligent Corps. These initiatives have been well-received by sister security agencies and have fostered strong ...

Re: Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nation-Wide

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'Re: Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nation-Wide,’ old age, ill health and length of stay in prison are some of the factors that will determine eligibility for the clemency. I am directed to write and request you to as a matter of urgency, furnish the office the Controller-General of Corrections with list of ALL qualified prisoners/Inmates in your Command for Presidential Pardon/Clemency. For avoidance of doubt, Inmates other than Nigerian Prisoner-citizens deported to the Country, must have been convicted or awaiting trial for Federal offences only. Note that in determining eligibility, regard shall be had to the following criteria: Old age – (60 years and above); ill-health, likely to terminate in death; young persons, 16 years and below; long term convicts who have served 10 years and above with good record; long awaiting trial persons in custody for 10 years and above; convicts serving 3 years and above and have less than 6 months...

RE: Nigerians in Diaspora petition Interior minister over printer crisis

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The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has acknowledged the receipt of a petition bothering on appeal for passport printers in Atlanta and New York Consulates in the United States of America.  To address this issue, the Minister has since approved and directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately deploy new printers to the passport offices in both cities. These printers are ready for installation. This short-term solution aims to resolve the current challenge promptly. The Minister hinted that there is a new solution being implemented as a long-term plan that will usher in a streamlined passport regime, enabling Nigerians to apply for their passports with more ease. Part of this plan includes the activation of the Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, which is scheduled to start in the next few weeks while also opening up more countries for the already-deployed contactless solution. The Ministry of Interior under the Minister is working round the clock, an...

₦1.94 Trillion Worth of Property Saved in 2024, Says CG of FFS, Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu

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Enjoined Nigerians to adhere to fire safety protocols and precautions The CG commiserated with the victims of Fire Outbreaks throughout the nation._ He urged the National Assembly to Repeal the Current Fire Service Act of 1963 which has become outdated while stating that President Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of the people as aligned with his renewed hope agenda. In 2024, the Federal Fire Service effectively saved property worth 1.94 trillion naira while fewer lives were lost when compared to the preceding year, 2023. The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu O. Jaji, has announced that in 2024, the Federal Fire Service successfully saved property valued at ₦1.94 trillion, while an estimated ₦67.1 billion worth of property was lost. The DG made this known during the first media briefing of 2025, "In 2024, the Federal Fire Service effectively saved property worth 1.94 trillion naira while fewer lives were lost w...

New Dawn in Nigeria Correctional Service as Acting CG Sylvester Charges Officers

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•Feeding for inmates increases by over 40%. •Inmates' biometric is a must. •Officers found wanting, will be dealt with decisively. It's a new dawn at the Nigeria Correctional Service as the acting CG, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche held a rare interactive session with officers, where marching orders, warnings, etc were given to the officers.  The Ag. CG stated that officers need to give morning and evening briefs of happenings in the custodial centres, "You are to ensure that daily morning and evening briefs of important happenings in the custodial centres and commands reach the office of the DCG Operations between the hours of 7.00 to 9.00am and 3.00-5.00pm. I won't fail to wield the big stick on anyone that contravenes, this administration will maintain zero tolerance for all alleged wrongdoings. Any officers found wanting will face the full wrath of the law, no matter whose ox is gored and let me state this clearly, capturing inmates' Biometric is a MUST." He concl...

President Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo committed to the welfare of inmates –Ag.CG NCOs

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The Ag. CG of Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, has emphasised the federal government's commitment to the welfare of inmates across all the correctional centres.   He reiterated the dedication of both President Tinubu and hon. Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior during his one-day tour of the Suleja Custodial Centre, where rehabilitation work was carried out as well as to check on the well being of the inmates which is among the renewed hope mandates of the President to carry out inclusive government for all Nigerians regardless of status.  "Many of the correctional centers have been given facelifts through refurbishments, rehabilitation and upgrades throughout the nation. Officers' welfare are being met as well as timely promotion of officers. The Acting CG also reinstated that the Federal Government efforts to make the Correctional centres safe and fool-proof against attacks, “We are making sure that everything is in place to ensure that our Correct...

Scale-up performance by subscribing to Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Acting-CG NCOs Charges Officers

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On Saturday, 16th December, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi, MFR, mni, as the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).  His appointment signals a commitment to advancing the country’s correctional system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Acting-CG has charged all the officers to shun all acts of indiscipline and step up their performance towards work and discharge their duties diligently at a programme organized at the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters. "I encourage the personnel to scale up their performance towards work and align with Mr. President's Renewed Hope agenda. The Acting-CG also urged the officers to reciprocate the efforts of the Minister of Interior and support his reforms in the Correctional Service, "I charge the officers to reciprocate Hon. Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo's efforts by ensuring that the workforce is motivated and encoura...

Tunji-Ojo: Embodiment of modern-day productive ideas pioneering giant strides in Interior Ministry

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According to Scott Belsky ‘Its not about ideas alone. Its about making ideas happen’’, that is the true story of Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, in recent times, the Ministry and the agencies under it has witnessed an extraordinary transformation under the leadership of Dr Tunji-Ojo.  Since assuming office as the Minister, he has implemented numerous initiatives that has a profound and positive impact on the country. From clearing over 200,000 passport backlogs to prison decongestion and border security, his achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. One of Dr Tunji-Ojo's most commendable achievements has been the successful clearing of over 200,000 passport backlogs inherited from his predecessor.  The backlog had long plagued the citizens of Nigeria, causing undue delay and frustration. Under his leadership, a streamlined and efficient system was implemented, resulting in the swift processing of passports. In addition to this, he spearhea...

The Nigerian Passport: Then and now - Tayo Tanimola

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A common refrain amongst Nigerians years ago was "Nigerian passport is a right and not a privilege "for those who can afford it". The question that has been begging for an answer over the years is, has this been the issue from time immemorial? The answer rightfully is No. What then could be the issue, is the matter this piece intends to interrogate.  Going down memory lane, we have keenly observed that to apply and get the Nigerian Passport is like forcing the camel to pass through the eye of a needle because of its rigorous, time consuming and archaic nature. This is why many Nigerians have lost interest and trust in the passport application process because passports were being delayed for reasons we didn't know.  There however seems to be a silver lining in the horizon as Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the current Minister of Interior, has since assumption of office showed competence and capability given the innovation and reforms he's so far brought onboard especiall...

Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and his Transformative Wand in the Nigerian Correctional System

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS), well known for its myriad of scourges, such as overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure, and incessant prison breaks, is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) Notably, one of his major reforms was taking on the pressing issue of overcrowding in the NCoS, which was exemplified by the presence of individuals incarcerated due to their inability to pay court-imposed fines.  The Minister has facilitated the release and rehabilitation of 4,068 inmates, and cleared their fines and compensations amounting to N585 million in partnership with national and international agencies.  This initiative not only decongested the facilities but also provided a second chance for victims of systemic injustices. Furthermore, the minister established an Inmate Audit Committee for transparency and accountability, to verify the actual number of inma...

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: A Star in Nigeria's Firmament - Blessing Ele-ojo

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Going by the Nation’s not so pleasant history where actual leadership is often in short supply, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, has emerged to break that jinx by his visionary approach to leadership. With barely a year under his belt, he has revolutionized the Ministry of Interior into a powerhouse of efficiency, innovation, and progress. Tunji-Ojo's remarkable journey since assuming office has captured the hearts of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as he has transformed the way Nigerians think about governance. His unwavering dedication to duty, unrelenting passion for excellence, and unshakeable commitment to the people have made him the toast of the nation. From the ease of obtaining passports to the seamless travel experience at our international airports, his impact is felt by all. As an IT expert who has worked with top government agencies, Tunji-Ojo's mastery of technology has been the game-changer. By harnessing the power of innovation, he...

Notable Nigerians Praise Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

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Notable Nigerians and staunch critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration have come out to praise the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his record performance in the Nigeria Immigration Service.   The minister of interior had earlier issued a directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to clear the backlog of passport applications amounting to over 204,332. On October 1 2023, it was all over the news that the entire backlog had been cleared. Amongst critics who praised the minister was Arise TV broadcast journalist, Rufai Oseni. He wrote on X: “The best minister currently is the Minister of Interior, the man is good, cleared the passport backlog in record time. You are one of the bright spots of this administration Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo” Similarly, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the 2019 general elections, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu assessed the Minister as a publi...

Seven Key Promises: Nigerians Laud Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-ojo

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Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has earned applause from Nigerians over his highlighted seven promises that would transform the Ministry of Interior and its agencies. Highlighting the promises, a prominent blog, Instablog listed the minister’s agenda with many reacting to his proactive agenda. The seven key promises are, “a.) Development of technology to enhance border security; b.) Removal of bottlenecks in the acquisition of passports and other immigration documents; c.) Tackling insecurity and effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructures; and d.) Ensuring the timely passage of the New Fire Act. Other promises are, e.) Correctional service reforms (Reformation and re-integration of inmates and decongestion of correctional centers in line with AGJS and so on); f.) Improved emergency and fire response time and g.) Provision of quality leadership for the timely actualization of the mandates of the Ministry of Interior in line with the Renewed ...

Seven (7) Promises Of New Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo

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The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assumed office on Monday immediately after his inauguration at the Villa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has been mandated 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. On Tuesday, he met with journalists to unveil his blueprint in actualizing President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda Seven (7) Promises Of New Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo Development of technology to enhance border security. Removal of bottlenecks in the acquisition of passports and other immigration documents. Tackling insecurity and effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructures. Ensuring the timely passage of the New Fire Act Correctional service reforms (Reformation and re-integration of inmates and decongestion of correctional centres in line with AGJS and so on) Improved emergency and fire response time. Provisi...

10 Osinbajo Myths Debunked

I have read many people share their opinions on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari. As if writing from a script, they appear to echo the same myth about Osinbajo's time in office as Vice President and of course, conveniently excluding his time as Acting President. Just for posterity’s sake, I have dedicated this piece to debunk these claims with verifiable news links. 1. That when herdsmen overran the Southwest he was quiet: Not only did he arrange for the Southwest Obas to meet with the President, he has also spoken severally and vehemently on the subject matter. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/256011-herdsmen-farmers-violence-osinbajo-leads-nine-governors-find-solutions.html 2. Then there are those who claim that he never spoke on the border closure. Again, this can only come from an ignorant fellow because he did speak on it at many fora, pleading with Nigerians and stating that the closure was not a permanent development. https://gu...

THE LIES THAT COME OUT OF THEIR LAZY MOUTHS

By Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin There's this religious victimization card played by some people that I found amusing. Rather than address issues on their merits, people like Kperoogi and the other chap in MURIC tend to play religious card that border on intellectual laziness. The recent attack on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN is one of such. They accused Osinbajo of favoring Christians, particularly members of his church, RCCG. They also accused him (Osinbajo) of betraying their Muslim brother, Asiwaju Tinubu, forgetting conveniently that Senator Remi, Tinubu's wife is a Pastor of the same RCCG. If both had bothered to do a little research on Osinbajo, if they had done their homework well on him, maybe they would have come out with more reasonable and believable criticisms.  All his life, Osinbajo has served Muslim bosses and he has never had any problem with any of them. Former Attorney General of the Federation, Bola Ajibola SAN, who he served as Special Adviser. Asiwaju Ti...

Osinbajo is not a betrayer - Segun Dada

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Segun Dada, a national youth aspirant of the All Progressives Congress has fired a salvo at those claiming Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a betrayer. Dada, who was forced to step down for Dayo Israel at the APC convention on March 26th questioned the skewed reasoning that Osinbajo betrayed Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. "Lol. Just less than 3 weeks ago, these people shouting betrayal called it politics when they stabbed me in the back. How do you even have the moral authority to call the VP a betrayer? Lmaoooooo God abeg," he wrote on his Twitter account. His tweet has already started generating widespread acceptability. Users on the platform reckon that the decision by the Vice President to declare for 2023 presidential election is not a betrayal by any strand of imagination. Michael Lanre said, "Osinbajo didn't betray Tinubu. He was only lucky to have been approved by Buhari to be the Vice President in 2015. Tinubu also positioned himself for the slot but it failed due to m...

When I saw #OsinbajoDeclares

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For clarity, the Vice President said, "If by the grace of God and the will of the people, I am given the opportunity, then I believe that first, we must complete what we have started;

2023 #OsinbajoDeclares: Brekete Family to buy Osinbajo’s presidential form, foot his campaign bills

Ordinary Ahmed Isah, host of the Brekete Family has thrown his weight Vice President Yemi Osinbajo after he declared to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the APC. He said the Brekete Family will be buying the presidential form of the Vice President as well as foot the bill for his nationwide campaign. The Ordinary President on Monday gave reasons why he was supporting the for Lagos Attorney General. “As part of the move by the masses towards taking over Nigeria, I am telling some of our leaders that it is no longer a business as usual, we are tired with the old method, this time around, we are looking forward to a new and improved Nigeria where we the masses will be the ones to direct them on where to go, we won’t allow godfather to dictate to the person in office on how to rule the country,” he said during his programme. “That is the reason why we have picked 10 people and Nigerians will choose amongst them; we have six people already on ground- one of them is ...