Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo Wins Big in America

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been honoured for his outstanding contributions to repositioning the country’s international image through reforms, innovation and strategic initiatives in the Ministry of Interior.

Tunji-Ojo received the prestigious honours on Friday at the 2026 edition of the African Cultural Festival, held at the HACC Festival Grounds & The Forum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

According to the Selection Committee, the minister’s tireless efforts and outstanding performance since assuming office have not only contributed to improving the image of Nigeria but have also promoted a positive narrative about Africa and its identity.

Presenting the awards, Coach Marvin Menzies, who commended Tunji-Ojo’s achievements, described the minister as a public servant whose initiatives and reforms had continued to attract attention beyond Nigeria.

The veteran American College Basketball Coach and 2024 Summit League Coach of the Year congratulated “Minister Tunji-Ojo for building a stellar reputation for himself both in Nigeria and the United States of America”.

Also, Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was honored as the 2026 African Cultural Festival Man of the Year award and presented with the ‘Key to the City of Harrisburg’.

Former Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Ayo Obe, who received the award on behalf of the minister, expressed appreciation to the organisers for deeming it fit to bring Nigeria to the global stage and showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique identities to the world.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I appreciate the organisers of the African Cultural Festival for deeming it fit to bring Nigeria to the global stage and give the world an opportunity to see, appreciate and celebrate our unique identities, culture and heritage,” Obe said.

In his remarks, Wole Adeniyi of ACI Entertainment, organisers of the African Cultural Festival, said the much-coveted award was reserved for leaders in the public and private sectors who had demonstrated uncommon commitment to meaningful development across Africa.

He said Tunji-Ojo’s recognition was a reflection of his contributions to public service and the positive impact of his initiatives in the Interior Ministry.

In Nigeria and across the world, Hon. Tunji-Ojo is widely celebrated for overseeing major reforms in passport administration, migration management and border governance.

Under his leadership, the Ministry cleared a backlog of passport applications, introduced contactless passport renewal for Nigerians in the diaspora, and established a centralised passport personalisation centre designed to significantly increase production capacity and improve turnaround time.

This initiative improved the global ranking of Nigeria’s passport. In addition to the stronger protection of critical national assets, improved emergency response and a shift towards rehabilitation and reintegration in the correctional system.

Past recipients of the award include the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; and fashion icon and founder of Nike Art Gallery, Mrs. Nike Okundaye, among other distinguished personalities.

As part of the honours usually accord recipients of the award, the awardees are also given the opportunity to attend a sitting of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives.