By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the immediate implementation and commercialization of innovative ideas generated by staff of the Ministry, emphasizing that innovation remains critical to national growth, institutional transformation, and improved public service delivery.
According to an official signed statement by Head of Press and Public Relations, Mary Ali, the Minister made the remarks during the maiden edition of the Ministry of Interior Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony and Joint Union Council (JUC) Week Celebration held in Abuja.
Addressing staff and management of the Ministry, Dr. Tunji-Ojo stressed that innovation must transcend theoretical discussions and translate into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges and driving development.
“We must ensure that these innovations come to fruition. Ideas are valuable only when they solve problems and improve lives. We should begin to explore possible investment opportunities and commercialization of some of these innovations,” the Minister stated.
He further urged staff of the Ministry and its agencies to remain committed and focused on sustaining reforms and delivering greater achievements in the final year of the current administration.
According to him, recognition of creativity is essential for institutional relevance and national progress, noting that societies and organizations can only grow when they encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving.
The Minister commended participants in the Innovation Challenge for demonstrating creativity, initiative, and commitment toward improving governance and service delivery within the public sector.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, explained that the Innovation Challenge was introduced to inspire staff to develop practical and implementable ideas capable of improving institutional efficiency and contributing to national development.
She noted that despite limited capital releases, the Ministry had continued to prioritize staff welfare and fulfill its obligations to serving and retired personnel.
Dr. Ajani disclosed that retirees had continued to receive full repatriation benefits, while staff members had also received their entitlements, including first 21-day allowances.
She encouraged officers to continue contributing innovative ideas that would strengthen service delivery and support ongoing reforms across the Ministry and its agencies.
Speaking on behalf of organized labour, Chairman of the Joint Union Council, Elabor Mohammed, commended the Ministry’s leadership for prioritizing workers’ welfare and promoting a cordial relationship between management and staff unions.
He highlighted recent welfare interventions, including the provision of additional staff shuttle buses, improvements at the staff clinic, and the establishment of a cafeteria aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of workers.
Mohammed described the relationship between management and labour unions as productive and harmonious, expressing confidence that continued collaboration would further strengthen industrial peace within the Ministry.
At the event, the Minister was presented with an Award for Excellence by the Ministry’s Joint Union Council alongside the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and other staff members. Outstanding participants in the Innovation Challenge were also recognized for their contributions.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for innovation, professionalism, teamwork, and dedication in support of the Ministry’s reform agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
