The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged officers and personnel of the Ministry and its agencies to uphold professionalism, integrity, and a deep sense of national service, declaring that they must “be the difference” in public service.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo gave the charge during a capacity-building programme on Personnel Management System (PMS) for officers of agencies under the Ministry, held at the AbdulRahman Dambazau Hall, Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Mary Ali, the event was designed to strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-agency collaboration, and promote excellence in service delivery across the Interior Ministry.
In his inspiring address, the Minister reminded participants of the personal sacrifices involved in public service, emphasizing dedication, discipline, and passion as the true pillars of professionalism.
“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.
He urged officers to treat their profession as their “first love,” one to be guarded and nurtured with integrity and pride.
“When something is your first love, you guard it jealously. So, I urge you — guide this profession. Protect it,” he said.
Quoting Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, Dr. Tunji-Ojo challenged participants to leave lasting legacies in their institutions.
“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.
The Minister commended the dedication of all agencies under the Ministry, described them as “vital partners in the ongoing reforms and transformation of the Interior Ministry.”
He also lauded the Comptrollers-General and agency heads for their leadership and contributions to national security and internal stability.
“To all my CGs, thank you immensely. But please, don’t just make a difference be the difference we want to see in the Ministry of Interior,” he added.
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, agency Chief Executives, and senior personnel.
