By Palma Ileye
Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has restated commitments to prioritize Staff welfare while stressing the need for professionalism to ensure productivity and effectiveness in the Ministry.
Tunji-Ojo stated this yesterday, at the Maiden edition of the Town Hall meeting, since his appointment as Minister, with Members of Staff and Management at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja.
He tasked Staff on the need to reciprocate by showing dedication to work by being punctual to duties at all times.
He expounded thus: “As a matter of fact, nothing can be more important to me than your welfare. That is the truth and I have my reasons, because to whom much is given, much is expected, he added that if I do not give it to you, it is difficult for me to expect you to give back. The Staff of the Ministry of Interior welfare is most important to him.
“So, if I give you support, it becomes a responsibility on your part to give me support. And the only way to give me support is by your dedication to duty.”
He stated that the era of thinking Government’s business was nobody’s business is gone noting that, “Government business is your business, and every body’s business.”
The Minister, while reassuring the Ministry’s Union leaders and Staff, said he wants to earn their trust, by mutually working together.
He added: “I am ready to work with you, I want to earn your trust, the Renewed Hope Agenda requires dedication to service and full demonstration of professionalism across board.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, disclosed that the Minister had graciously approved provision of beverages as part of welfare to Staff.
She also announced the addition of more fleets of buses for the Gwagwalada route, which she said would be received next week and start operation soon.
The Permanent Secretary also assured that the town hall meeting would be held every quarter in the year.
Also, the Joint Union Chairman in the Ministry Mr. Ukpenetus Bassey, thanked the Minister and the Permanent Secretary for their audience and pledged Staff’s loyalty and service to the nation.
The Town Hall meeting was attended by Directors and Members of Staff of the Ministry.