By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior has called for workers commercialization implementation innovative ideas, developed by staff of the Ministry. In a press release e-signed by Mrs Mary Ali, Head of Press and Publicity in the Ministry Tuesday, the Minister described innovation as a key driver of national growth and institutional transformation.
He made the call in Abuja during the maiden edition of the Ministry of Interior Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony and Joint Union Council (JUC) Week Celebration. The event brought together staff, management, and labour representatives to recognize creativity and service delivery improvements.
In his address, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said innovation must move beyond concepts to practical execution that delivers measurable impact. “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,” he stated.
The Minister urged staff of the Ministry and its agencies to remain focused and committed to ensuring that the final year of the current administration records greater achievements than previous years. He stressed that no society can grow without innovation, and institutions must encourage new thinking to remain relevant.
He commended participants in the Innovation Challenge for demonstrating creativity, initiative, and dedication toward improving public service delivery. Outstanding participants were presented with awards alongside the Minister, Permanent Secretary, some directors, and other staff.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani said the Innovation Challenge was introduced to encourage staff to develop practical and implementable ideas that can improve institutional efficiency and contribute to national development. She noted that despite limited capital releases, the Ministry has prioritized staff welfare and met obligations to both serving and retired officers.
Ajani disclosed that retirees continue to receive full repatriation benefits, while staff have received their entitlements, including first 21-day allowances. She encouraged officers to keep contributing ideas that strengthen service delivery and support ongoing reforms.
Speaking for organized labour, JUC Chairman Comrade Elabor Mohammed commended management for prioritizing staff welfare through additional shuttle buses, improvements at the staff clinic, a new cafeteria, and other measures. While describing the management-labour relationship as cordial and productive, he says sustained cooperation would continue to promote industrial harmony and support the Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and that of the Ministry too.
