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About BTO

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A Transformative Leader in Nigerian Politics

Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, popularly known as BTO, is a distinguished Nigerian political figure, currently serving as the Minister of Interior under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His journey, marked by resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service, reflects his deep-rooted passion for improving Nigeria’s governance and internal affairs. From his early childhood in Akoko, Ondo State, to his impactful political career, Hon. BTO has emerged as a transformative leader with significant accomplishments in both governance and socio-economic development.

Early Life and Education

Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo was born on May 1, 1982, in Oyin Akoko, Ondo State, a southwestern region of Nigeria. Growing up in a close-knit community, Hon. BTO’s early exposure to the challenges faced by the people of Akoko deeply influenced his aspirations for public service. His commitment to education was evident from a young age as he excelled academically. Hon. BTO began his formal education at Ansarudeen Primary School in Oyin Akoko. He later attended FUTA Staff Secondary School, Akure, where his leadership qualities became apparent when he was elected as the school’s Senior Prefect in 1998. His leadership journey, therefore, began early, and his peers recognized his ability to inspire and lead even as a student.

For his tertiary education, Hon. BTO first attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering. However, he later transferred to the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University), where he earned a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in 2005. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Digital Communication and Networking in 2006 . His academic background equipped him with the technical expertise that would later inform his policy-driven approach to governance and public administration.

Hon. BTO’s commitment to continuous learning saw him earning 18 professional qualifications in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), becoming one of the youngest Certified Ethical Hackers from the Royal Britannia IT Training Academy in the United Kingdom before the age of 24 . These qualifications were instrumental in his early career as an entrepreneur and IT consultant before his foray into politics.

Professional Career Before Politics

Before entering politics, Hon. BTO’s entrepreneurial drive led him to establish Matrix IT Solutions Limited, a leading indigenous ICT consulting firm. As the CEO of Matrix IT Solutions, Hon. BTO worked with several high-profile clients, including government agencies such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) . His work with these agencies positioned him as a key figure in enhancing ICT infrastructure and governance processes in Nigeria.

In 2016, Hon. BTO’s contributions to the Nigerian oil and gas industry became prominent when he co-hosted the Nigerian Content Workshop in collaboration with the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. This workshop focused on increasing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, a testament to Hon. BTO’s dedication to promoting local content and national development.

Political Career and Legislative Achievements

Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo’s political career began in earnest in 2019, when he contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) . His entry into politics was driven by his desire to bring about sustainable development in his home constituency and across Nigeria.

As a legislator, Hon. BTO made significant contributions, particularly in the areas of oversight, accountability, and legislative reform. He was appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he led efforts to probe alleged financial mismanagement within the NDDC, involving over 80 billion Naira . This was a landmark moment in the legislative history of Nigeria, as it marked the first time such a comprehensive probe into the NDDC’s financial activities had been conducted.

In addition to his role with the NDDC, Hon. BTO served on several key committees in the House of Representatives, including those on National Security and Intelligence, Local Content, and Solid Minerals. His legislative contributions were pivotal in advocating for reforms aimed at improving governance, accountability, and public sector performance .

Minister of Interior: Transforming Nigeria’s Internal Security

In August 2023, following his re-election as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. BTO was appointed as the Minister of Interior by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This marked a significant turning point in his political career, as he took on one of the most critical portfolios in the Nigerian government.

Since his appointment, Hon. BTO has focused on reforming Nigeria’s internal security architecture. One of his most notable achievements in his early days as Minister was resolving a backlog of over 204,000 passport applications within just two weeks. This feat underscored his commitment to improving service delivery and efficiency within the Nigerian Immigration Service .

Hon. BTO also spearheaded the introduction of e-platforms for visa applications, simplifying the process for Nigerians both at home and abroad. His reforms extended to enhancing e-passport facilities in key Nigerian embassies across Europe, particularly in Spain, Greece, and Italy .

In addition to these reforms, Hon. BTO has been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform. His efforts led to the release of over 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to decongest Nigeria’s overcrowded correctional centers and transform them into facilities focused on reformation rather than punishment .

Under Hon. BTO’s leadership, the Ministry of Interior has also worked to improve the welfare of Nigeria’s paramilitary services. His advocacy for equitable salaries and the promotion of 32,361 personnel across the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps highlights his commitment to boosting morale and enhancing the operational capacity of these agencies .

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