IF there is anything that separates great leaders from the crowd, it is the power of vision. Strategic foresight, the ability to anticipate future events, challenges and prospects and roll out mechanisms for coping with them, is beyond rhetoric: it materializes in lived-in experience. It presents robust evidence of vision. In Hon (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s high-flying, intensely cerebral, visionary Minister of Interior, this quality has captured the national imagination, but the real story about the minister widely hailed as “talk and do” is that he never rests on his oars but tasks his faculties to do much more even when you think he has done enough. That is why on February 2, in a powerful testimony to the abiding power of excellence, the Minister of Interior will be garlanded as the New Telegraph’s Outstanding Minister of the Year 2023. The award is not fortuitous: it has been richly merited. Two events last week illustrate this point very poignantly. First, the minister doubled down on the fresh criteria introduced for passport applications to stop foreigners from exploiting the system. On January 8, the interior ministry had announced the full automation of passport applications for Nigerians at home and abroad.
To obtain or renew the Nigerian passport, applicants are required to have National Identification Numbers (NIN) and tender birth and local government certificates, among others. Speaking on the requirements on Wednesday, January 24, the minister said the conditions were introduced to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens, as foreigners exploited the inefficiencies of the previous system. Hear him: “We had to introduce this new system to stop those non-Nigerians carrying Nigerian passports. Contrary to reports, the new process is working very effectively and the hiccups recorded are only four percent, which is a significant improvement for a system that is newly introduced and I assure you that in the next one or two weeks, we will have a near perfect system. We have to improve our process of obtaining passports because passport is a security document. This new system has improved accessibility, transparency and efficiency.” Given the widespread security threats that Nigeria contends with, this move is no doubt visionary.
The second event is also a security move, but it has positive implications for the Nigerian economy. Unveiling a new handbook on Citizenship Administration in Nigeria on Thursday, January 25, in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to transform citizenship management and business administration in Nigeria. The gist is that the handbook prescribes conditions for the acquisition of citizenship by foreigners and citizens born outside Nigeria by Nigerian parents, among others. Crucially, it also prescribes conditions for “citizenship by investment,” amongst which is evidence of the required amount for investment pegged at a minimum of $1 million. Imagine if just 10 foreign investors take advantage of this facility next week: that is a $10 million addition to a Nigerian economy grappling with forex shortage and trying to strengthen the naira. The vision is unbeatable, and the minister articulated it so well: “A greater Nigeria is here. You and I are here for a Nigeria that will work for all of us, both the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor. With the Renewed Hope Agenda, what Nigerians are yearning for has come to stay. There is no need for anybody to shake hands before you can do business here.”
William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, provides a fitting description of Tunji-Ojo’s genius: “He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion.” The minister is, in comportment and deportment, demonstrably a humble, unassuming gentleman—which is one reason all kinds of shady characters working for criminals have loaded the media space with spurious allegations against him, hoping to draw him into the arena of the absurd—but the firmness with which he approaches the job of revolutionizing Nigeria’s internal security and the astounding results that he has achieved in less than a year enables his portrayal as a lion. This strategy of speaking through phenomenal results rather than engaging in online warfare has thrown the naysayers into a tailspin.
At a time Nigeria’s international image had become severely tainted because of the massive corruption and inefficiency surrounding the passport application process, Tunji-Ojo stunned bookmakers when he oversaw the clearance of a backlog of 204,332 passports in a record-breaking three-week timeline. Nigerians were still serenading this milestone when he unveiled the automation of the system with a view to guaranteeing home delivery of passports starting from February 2024. That was not all: the minister outlawed the pernicious practice of mandating married women to visit the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to have their passport biodata updated. Besides, beyond his dedication to the welfare of paramilitary officers, equitable compensation and plans for a functional pension board demonstrate a commitment to fairness and productivity within the ranks, Tunji-Ojo decongested correctional facilities through the clearance of fines and compensations for 4,068 inmates who were in prison solely on account of financial challenges. That masterstroke reduced the burden on the prison system while enabling the beneficiaries to enjoy their freedom and reunite with their families.
Praise on social media for the man who also emerged the Leadership Newspaper Public Service Person of the Year 2023 has been effusive. On X, Eniola tweeted, “Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo came to national politics underrated but with the little time spent as the Minister of Interior, he has proved that some big wigs are just overrated. Thank you for changing the narrative and giving the youth a new perspective.” The sentiments were echoed by Ben Ovo, another X user who said: “Some of us have forgotten who a public servant is, but thanks to the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for bringing back to our consciousness what it means to be a public servant. Thank you sir for your commitment and resilience towards positive change.”
On Facebook, Bright Okuta said: “Tinubu’s Interior minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is perhaps the only performing government official in this administration. He embodies competence, dedication and commitment.” AbuAbdulHameed7 said, “One of the most visionary and impactful ministers in PBAT administration is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister. What he has done so far has shown us that indeed Nigeria will be great and will prosper. We have never had a minister like him; selfless and a believer in a greater Nigeria.”
If the new dawn at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Civil Defence, Corrections, Immigration and Fire Service Board (CDCIFB) is attracting global recognition, it is because the London Metropolitan University electronics and communication engineering and digital communication and networking graduate who holds 18 professional qualifications in ICT such as ethical hacking and counter measures has chosen to reinvent public service as a problem-solving mechanism for national development. He is clearly one of Nigeria’s most hard-working and most passionate public servants.
- Breaking the myth: Challenging the notion of political dependency, By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu
Let proficiency and excellence be the driving forces behind a path to success.– ByPremium Time
Contrary to the prevalent notion in Nigeria that a flourishing life necessitates hobnobbing with politicians, the truth lies in the rigorous journey of self-development. The notion that one must rely on politicians or government officials to lead a respectable life is unfounded. By enduring the challenges and undertaking the demanding path of personal development, individuals can carve out a decent and fulfilling life independently. In this paradigm, the focus shifts from seeking external validation to empowering oneself through continuous growth and self-improvement.
Many young Nigerians grapple with the notion that they must navigate with caution to avoid offending influential figures, fearing the potential loss of future opportunities. But the belief that prosperity hinges solely on cultivating personal relationships with politicians in Nigeria is a fallacy. The truth is, genuine success is achievable without relying on the favour of any specific individual, no matter how highly placed. This conviction is not just a theory; it is a reality, and I am eager to illustrate this through tangible examples.
Excellence in one’s chosen field of knowledge is a key determinant of professional success. In today’s competitive and dynamic job market, the need to stand out has never been more crucial. By focusing on excelling in a specific area, individuals can position themselves as experts, making them attractive to employers seeking top talent. This emphasis on meritocracy underscores the importance of competence over popularity, as genuine skills and accomplishments speak louder than mere likability. First, excelling in a chosen field requires continuous learning and dedication. A commitment to mastery fosters a deep understanding of the subject matter, allowing individuals to contribute meaningfully to their field. This expertise becomes a magnet for job opportunities, as employers value individuals who bring tangible skills and knowledge to the table. Unlike relying on personal popularity, which can be transient, a foundation of excellence ensures a sustainable and enduring professional reputation. Second, merit-based recognition cultivates a sense of credibility and trust. Employers and colleagues alike appreciate competence, and it serves as a solid foundation for professional relationships. By consistently delivering high-quality work and achieving notable results, individuals establish themselves as reliable and valuable assets to any team or organisation. This reliability becomes a powerful catalyst for career advancement, as merit-based recognition tends to open doors to new opportunities and responsibilities.
Allow me to provide an illustrative example: Dr Mustapha Abubakar, a molecular pathological epidemiologist based in the United States, stands as a burgeoning luminary in the realm of integrative computational pathology and epidemiology. His primary research thrust involves the convergence of cancer epidemiology and biology to unravel the intricacies of etiology, progression, and clinical outcomes, ultimately contributing to targeted prevention and precision medicine. Dr Abubakar currently serves as a Researcher in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) — an institution renowned worldwide for its dedication to advancing cancer research. Having commenced his academic journey at Bayero University, where he earned his medical degree, Dr Abubakar further honed his expertise in the United Kingdom, securing postgraduate qualifications from esteemed institutions such as Imperial College and the University of London. Notably, he underwent training at Europe’s preeminent cancer research institute before transitioning to his current role in the world’s leading cancer research institution, the NCI. The significance of Dr Abubakar’s example lies in the unparalleled environment of the NCI. Its status as the foremost cancer research institute underscores the calibre of challenges it tackles. If the NCI, with its wealth of resources and expertise, cannot address a specific cancer-related issue, it raises the question of whether any institution worldwide could do so. Emulating the trajectory of Dr Mustapha Abubakar signifies more than just professional success — it embodies a level of proficiency and accomplishment that transcend the need for widespread approval. In this paradigm, securing a job becomes a testament to one’s own capabilities, rather than a reliance on external opinions. Employment opportunities in this scenario are not merely acts of benevolence, rather those who extend job offers are propelled by their own interests, recognising the intrinsic value and contributions that individuals like Dr Abubakar bring to the table. Thus, the key to professional success lies not in seeking external validation but in cultivating a skills set and expertise that are universally acknowledged and sought after.
The acknowledgment that professional success, in this context, is not contingent on universal likability but on the intrinsic value one brings to the table, is a key takeaway. Those offering job opportunities in such a scenario are driven by recognising and valuing the unique skills and contributions that individuals like Dr Dambatta bring to their respective fields. Thus, the path to professional success lies in cultivating expertise and skills that are universally acknowledged and in demand.
Dr Abubakar’s contributions have recently garnered recognition from the leadership of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), culminating in a significant publication in the esteemed Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The publication, “Developing the Next-Generation Cancer Research Workforce in the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program,” highlights Abubakar’s groundbreaking work and underscores the importance of cultivating talent within the NIH’s research programme. According to the article “… High-risk, longitudinal, high-reward research is therefore encouraged and enabled in the NIH IRP. Examples of this include the work of Stadtman Tenure-track Investigator, Mustapha Abubakar at NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. Dr Abubakar uses deep phenotyping of tissues, computational pathology methodology, artificial intelligence techniques, and a half-dozen international cancer cohort databases to discern the features of tumor ecosystems and microenvironments that impact disease occurrence, natural history, and response to treatment. This is high-risk, high-reward research that will take many years to come to full fruition.”
Here is another example: Dr Shuaibu Dambatta stands as an eminent figure in the field of neurosurgery, specialising in spinal surgery with a particular focus on Minimally Invasive Surgery, Deformity, Chiari Malformation, Vertebroplasty, Cervical Arthroplasty, Trauma, Degenerative Spinal Conditions, and Neuromodulation, including Spinal Cord Stimulation and Intrathecal Morphine and Baclofen. Since 2002, he has been an integral part of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), showcasing his expertise and commitment to advancing neurological care. Dr Dambatta’s professional journey includes training at renowned neurosurgical centres across the United Kingdom, such as the Wessex Neurosurgical Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, Ninewells University Hospital in Dundee, among others. His extensive experience and specialisation underscore his dedication to staying in the forefront of neurosurgical advancements. Emulating the trajectory of Dr Shuaibu Dambatta goes beyond acquiring a job; it signifies embracing a level of proficiency and expertise that transcend the need for widespread approval. In this paradigm, professional opportunities come as a result of one’s own merit, rather than a dependence on external opinions. Individuals like Dr Dambatta serve as exemplars, where their contributions and impact speak for themselves, making them sought-after professionals in their field. The acknowledgment that professional success, in this context, is not contingent on universal likability but on the intrinsic value one brings to the table, is a key takeaway. Those offering job opportunities in such a scenario are driven by recognising and valuing the unique skills and contributions that individuals like Dr Dambatta bring to their respective fields. Thus, the path to professional success lies in cultivating expertise and skills that are universally acknowledged and in demand.
My fervent call to Nigerian youths is to emulate figures such as Mustapha Abubakar and Shuaibu Dambatta. By excelling in their chosen fields, they can embody a lifestyle that dismantles the prevailing notion that success hinges on garnering personal favour. It is time to debunk the concept that one must be liked by others to thrive in life; instead, let proficiency and excellence be the driving forces behind a path to success.
Numerous individuals in my acquaintance exemplify high achievers, measured by various benchmarks gauging their capacity and capability. These professionals have reached a status where employers vie for their skills and contributions. The dynamics have shifted, and these individuals hold positions of power, making it imperative for employers to tread carefully. Any semblance of annoyance on their part prompts swift contemplation of alternative job prospects, often initiated within the hour. Contrary to the prevalent notion in Nigeria that a flourishing life necessitates hobnobbing with politicians, the truth lies in the rigorous journey of self-development. The notion that one must rely on politicians or government officials to lead a respectable life is unfounded. By enduring the challenges and undertaking the demanding path of personal development, individuals can carve out a decent and fulfilling life independently. In this paradigm, the focus shifts from seeking external validation to empowering oneself through continuous growth and self-improvement.
Moreover, excelling in a field demonstrates a passion for one’s work. Genuine enthusiasm and dedication are contagious, and they often lead to increased job satisfaction and fulfilment. As individuals become known for their commitment to excellence, their reputation precedes them, making it more likely for opportunities to come knocking. This intrinsic motivation not only drives personal growth but also serves as a driving force for professional success, as employers recognise the value of individuals who are genuinely invested in their work. In contrast, relying solely on likability may result in superficial connections that lack substance. While interpersonal skills are essential, they should complement, not substitute, genuine expertise. Jobs and opportunities that come from a foundation of merit tend to be more enduring, as they are based on the proven ability to contribute meaningfully to a field. In the final analysis, excelling in one’s chosen field is imperative for professional success, as it establishes a solid foundation of expertise and competence. In the realm of meritocracy, individuals who prioritise excellence will naturally attract job opportunities. While personal likability has its place, it should not be the primary focus; instead, building a reputation based on merit ensures long-term success and recognition in the ever-evolving professional landscape. My fervent call to Nigerian youths is to emulate figures such as Mustapha Abubakar and Shuaibu Dambatta. By excelling in their chosen fields, they can embody a lifestyle that dismantles the prevailing notion that success hinges on garnering personal favour. It is time to debunk the concept that one must be liked by others to thrive in life; instead, let proficiency and excellence be the driving forces behind a path to success.
By Femi Salako
