Tunji-Ojo Advocates For Commercialisation of Staff Innovations. ..... Says Innovative ideas must move beyond theory to practical solutions

“We must ensure that these innovations come to fruition. Ideas are valuable only when they solve problems and improve lives.” Tunji-Ojo

.... "Innovation Challenge was introduced to encourage practical ideas that would improve institutional efficiency and support national development." Ajani, Permanent Secretary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged the immediate implementation and possible commercialisation of innovative ideas developed by staff of the Ministry, describing innovation as critical to national growth and institutional transformation.

Tunji-Ojo made the call in Abuja during the maiden edition of the Ministry of Interior Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony and Joint Union Council Week celebration.

The minister said innovative ideas must move beyond theory to practical solutions capable of improving lives and strengthening public service delivery.

“We must ensure that these innovations come to fruition. Ideas are valuable only when they solve problems and improve lives,” he stated, while calling for investment opportunities around some of the projects presented.

He also charged workers in the ministry and its agencies to remain committed to achieving greater milestones in the final year of the current administration.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, said the Innovation Challenge was introduced to encourage practical ideas that would improve institutional efficiency and support national development.

Ajani noted that the ministry had continued to prioritise staff welfare despite funding constraints, adding that retirees and serving officers had continued to receive their entitlements.

Speaking on behalf of organised labour, Joint Union Council Chairman, Elabor Mohammed, commended the ministry’s management for recent welfare interventions, including additional shuttle buses, improvements at the staff clinic and the establishment of a cafeteria.

Tunji-Ojo, Ajani and other senior officials were honoured with awards for excellence, while outstanding participants in the Innovation Challenge also received recognition.