The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has encouraged the officers and personnel under the agencies of Ministry of Interior to maintain professionalism, institutional pride, and to serve the nation with utmost integrity.
The Minister gave the charge during a capacity building programme on Personnel Management System (PMS) for personnel of agencies under the Ministry, held at the AbdulRahman Dambazau Hall, Correctional Service Headquarters, Abuja.
Emphasizing the importance of dedication, discipline, and passion in public service, Tunji-Ojo reminded the participants of their personal sacrifices they made in line of duty.
The Minister urged the officers to treat their profession as their “first love,” one that must be protected and guided with utmost integrity.
“For everyone here, you know it well — you have spent more time working with your colleagues than living with your spouses. You spend more time with your colleagues than with your children,” he said.
“When something is your first love, you guard it jealously. So, I urge you — guide this profession. Protect it,” he said.
Giving illustrations with the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, the Minister charged the participants to strive to leave their institutions better than they met them.
“Don’t leave your institution as a city of bricks; leave it as a city of marble. Make a difference and beyond that, be the difference,” he charged.
He commended the effort of the various agencies under the Ministry for their consistent support and hard work, describing them as vital partners in the ongoing reforms of the Interior Ministry.
“Every time we call on you, you bring your very best. You always put your best foot forward, and we sincerely appreciate you. The Ministry of Interior is moving forward with you and by the grace of God, we will rise to greater heights together,” he affirmed.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further expressed gratitude to the leadership of the agencies, particularly the Comptrollers-General, for their dedication and contribution to national security and internal affairs.
“To all my CGs, thank you immensely. Each and every one of you, thank you. But please, don’t just make a difference — be the difference we want to see in the Ministry of Interior,” he concluded.
The capacity building session is part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and promote excellence in public service delivery.
Presence at the event include Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Agencies Chief Executives under the Ministry and personnel.