BTO: A man loved by the people
By Dayo Joseph
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, is one man whose warm smile and approachable demeanour have endeared him to millions across Nigeria. He is always willing to listen to the people, ready to help, and quick to act with kindness and solutions.
His tenure as Minister of Interior, has proven that true leadership is measured in lives touched and systems transformed.
Recognizing the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups like widows, market women, transport operators, and the elderly, BTO has taken deliberate steps to ameliorate their suffering with direct, compassionate interventions across broader Ondo State.
In the spirit of putting smiles on faces during challenging times, he sponsored the distribution of food items such as bags of rice, along with cash support, to over 1,000 widows statewide through initiatives like the “BTO Widows’ Mite” program.
This yuletide outreach, which began in the Central Senatorial District and extended to the North and South districts, was designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and provide immediate relief to families to enjoy the season.
Last year alone, his backing has enabled free medical treatments and healthcare outreach for over 3,000 elderly persons across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State, offering essential check-ups, treatments, and support to promote dignity and wellbeing for seniors.
These efforts, often channeled through grassroots networks and devoid of political colouration, reflect his deep empathy and commitment to alleviating poverty, hardship, and vulnerability for residents throughout the state.
Nationally, through the Ministry of Interior, his reforms deliver broader relief by addressing systemic frustrations that compound everyday suffering.
He cleared massive passport backlogs, introduced contactless renewals for diaspora Nigerians (first in Canada, expanded to Europe in 2025), and streamlined processes to save time, reduce costs, eliminate exploitation and restoring dignity for families separated by bureaucracy.
In correctional services, he has led decongestion efforts by facilitating the payment of fines worth hundreds of millions for thousands of inmates, emphasizing rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and reintegration to give second chances and reduce the societal burden of prolonged incarceration.
He has also prioritized paramilitary welfare through promotions, salary improvement, and better working conditions, supporting the families of those who serve.
In 2025, his exploits only deepened. Launching contactless passport renewals for Nigerians in Europe (following the successful Canada rollout), implementing the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) with e-Gates at major airports, overhauling recruitment processes for hitch-free paramilitary intakes, driving digital transformation across agencies, and prioritizing staff welfare and national security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
A rare leader who delivers with innovation, integrity, and unwavering compassion.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo remains profoundly loved by his people because he never forgets where he came from and he carries that love forward to build a better Nigeria for all, easing burdens.
