Profile of a Ministerial Nominee From the Green Chamber to FEC

By Ibrahim Bakare

Forty one years old Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a ministerial nominee from Ondo state, South West Nigeria, making him one of the nominees to transit from the Green Chambers of the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Hon Tunji-Ojo was a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the 9th Assembly where he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He is currently serving his second term in the 10th National Assembly, after being re-elected in the 2023 National Assembly Election in Nigeria on the same platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shortly after taking office during his first tenure, Tunji-Ojo exhibited strong leadership skills when he mobilized 246 other lawmakers to support the speakership ambition of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. As a first-time lawmaker himself, he chaired the forum of first-timer lawmakers during this period.

Due to his dedication and competence, he was later appointed by the former Speaker as Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). In this role, Tunji-Ojo spearheaded a notable investigation into alleged malfeasance of over 80 billion Naira in the commission, marking the first time such a probe had occurred in the interventionist agency’s over two-decade history.

Besides his significant position on the NDDC Committee, Tunji-Ojo was an active member of various other House of Representatives Committees, including those on National Security and Intelligence; Local Content; Gas Resources and North East Development Commission (NEDC). Others were Housing; FCT Area Council and Ancillary Matters as well as Solid Minerals and Pilgrims Affairs.

Outside of politics, Tunji-Ojo has made notable contributions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He has demonstrated a commitment to public administration and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration by Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, on 22 January 2021.

Acknowledging his leadership and dedication to African youth, Tunji-Ojo has received prestigious awards such as the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Leadership Award of Excellence and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award.

His contributions and capabilities have not gone unnoticed and in 2023, he was nominated for a ministerial appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and public service.

Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, popularly called BTO was born in Okeagbe Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria on 1 May 1982. He attended Ansarudeen Primary School, Oyin Akoko from 1987 to 1990 and Hakda International school in Kaduna from 1990 to 1992 before completing his primary education at Universal Primary School, Akure in 1993. He then proceeded to FUTA Staff Secondary School, Akure for his secondary education where he was elected the senior prefect in 1998.

In 1999, he gained admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering. In 2002, while in his third year at the Obafemi Awolowo University, he proceeded to the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University) where he studied Electronics and Communication Engineering and graduated in 2005. He obtained a master’s degree in Digital Communication and Networking from the same institution in 2006.

He also holds certifications in 18 professional qualifications in ICT, including the prestigious title of being one of the first set of certified ethical hackers from Royal Britannia IT Training Academy in the United Kingdom before he turned 24 years.

Hon Bunmi, as he’s fondly called by his numerous admirers and supporters is a distinguished Nigerian politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist, according to Wikipedia.