Midweek activities at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja took on a distinctly royal air as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), paid a visit to the facility.
The purpose was straightforward but significant: the renewal of his diplomatic passport.
Warm Reception for a Revered Monarch
The respected traditional ruler was received with warmth and courtesy by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, who was joined by members of her management team.
The visit reflected the high regard accorded to the Ooni, both as a custodian of culture and as a national figure.
Immigration Service Confirms the Visit
Details of the visit were made public in a statement released on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi.
The statement, signed at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, confirmed that the monarch personally visited the office to complete the diplomatic passport renewal process.
According to the service, the interaction went beyond formalities, allowing for meaningful exchanges between the royal father and immigration leadership.
Praise for Federal Reforms and Leadership
During his time at the headquarters, the Ooni reportedly took a moment to commend ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the leadership of the service for policy changes being driven under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The monarch expressed appreciation for efforts aimed at improving migration management, strengthening border control, and enhancing service delivery across the immigration system.
Recognition of Modernisation Efforts
The Nigeria Immigration Service noted that the Ooni’s remarks reflect growing public recognition of the Federal Government’s push to reposition the agency.
In recent months, the service has highlighted reforms such as the digitalisation of passport services, improved border surveillance, and a broader restructuring of migration management processes under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
A Visit with Broader Meaning
While the visit centred on a routine administrative matter, it also underscored the connection between traditional institutions and national governance.
For the immigration service, the moment served as both an endorsement of its reform agenda and a reminder of the public attention now focused on its transformation efforts.
What’s Next?
As reforms continue to roll out, attention will likely remain on how quickly and effectively these changes translate into smoother services for Nigerians and stronger border management nationwide.
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