By Our Correspondent
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to national development through strategic collaboration with the creative industry. The assurance was contained in a press release e-signed by Mrs. Mary Ali, Head of Press and Public Relations, on Friday.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by Mr. Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, and his delegation, the Minister emphasized the vital role of advocacy, education, and public enlightenment in building a safer and stronger Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Mr. Rollas on his successful tenure and re-election as AGN President, commending his dedication to the creative sector. He said the partnership between the Ministry and the creative industry would help communicate government policies, shape public understanding, and counter misinformation.
Highlighting reforms within the Ministry, the Minister pointed to remarkable progress in correctional services. He revealed that Nigeria recorded about 13,000 recidivists in 2023, but by 2025 the figure had dropped to approximately 1,000. He attributed the decline to deliberate investments in skills acquisition, education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programmes.
“Our correctional centres are increasingly becoming truly correctional, rehabilitative, and transformational institutions,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated. He also highlighted improvements in passport administration, immigration services, fire safety, and civil defence operations as evidence of government’s determination to confront challenges and deliver results.
“Leadership is about confronting challenges and solving problems. We do not see obstacles; we see opportunities for solutions and progress,” he said. The Minister further encouraged the creative industry to continue serving as responsible voices that enlighten the public and strengthen national unity.
He reiterated that Nigeria is not where it used to be, and that progress is evident. Calling for collective responsibility, patriotism, and unity, he affirmed that the country’s future depends on citizens working together for peace, justice, and prosperity.
In his remarks, Mr. Rollas, leader of the Creative Economy Group and Governance Initiative, CEGGI, commended the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts in addressing security and development challenges. He disclosed that the group is engaging stakeholders within the creative industry to support government initiatives and promote messages of national unity, peace, and responsible citizenship. Both parties expressed commitment to working together for national development and a more secure Nigeria.
