Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has opened up about a painful chapter in his life, revealing that his father was killed during a religious crisis in Kaduna State in 1992 when he was just 10 years old.
The minister shared the emotional story during an interview on Youth Forum, a Channels Television special programme marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
Speaking with a deep sense of reflection, Tunji-Ojo said his father’s death was linked to internal security challenges in the country, particularly religious violence in the North-West.
“I lost my dad because of issues that had to do with internal security. My dad was killed due to religious whatever — he was coming from church and was killed in Kaduna in 1992,” he recalled.
The minister explained that the incident turned his life around, forcing him to grow up fast and take on responsibilities at a young age. Raised by his mother, who had to care for him and his siblings alone, Tunji-Ojo said life was not easy, but the experience shaped his resilience.
“That threw me off balance and brought me back to the cradle. It was tough growing up with my mother,” he said.
Despite the tragedy, the minister said he refused to be held back by the trauma. He chose instead to pursue success and build a career that eventually led him into public service.
Before joining the cabinet, Tunji-Ojo was a successful entrepreneur and lawmaker, serving in the National Assembly. He said his personal experience has strengthened his passion for security reforms, especially in ensuring that Nigerians can live safely regardless of their religion or background.
During the interview, the minister also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for taking bold steps to rescue Nigeria’s struggling economy. He noted that one of the President’s major achievements is his willingness to confront Nigeria’s growing debt and improve fiscal responsibility.
“Before Mr President came on board, we were spending the future in the present. I was in the National Assembly, and during the budget process, nearly 90 percent of revenue was going into debt servicing—not even repayment,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He argued that such a situation left very little for capital projects or meaningful development, adding that President Tinubu’s economic reforms are aimed at reversing this trend and laying a stronger foundation for growth.
Tunji-Ojo’s personal story and policy insight struck a powerful chord, especially among young Nigerians watching the programme, as he urged them to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country—regardless of personal hardships.
