FCC must reposition itself to meet Nigerians’ expectations – Omidiran

Grace Abe

‎The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mrs Hulayat Omidiran, says the commission must reposition itself to meet Nigerians’ expectations through the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle.

This is contained in a statement issued by the FCC Spokesperson, Mr Ademola Lawrence, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Lawrence quoted Omidiran to have said this at the opening of the 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat of the commission in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The retreat was themed: “Repositioning the Federal Character Commission for Institutional Renewal, Leadership Cohesion and National Relevance.”

The event had the former First Lady of Osun State and wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, as special guest.

Omidiran described the retreat as a defining moment in the commission’s evolution, aimed at deepening collaboration between the board and management.

She said the event was also aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and developing practical strategies for enhancing the commission’s constitutional mandate.

“As the constitutional institution entrusted with promoting and enforcing the Federal Character Principle, our responsibility extends beyond regulatory oversight.

“We must continually strengthen our institutional capacity, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and reposition the commission to respond effectively to the evolving expectations of Nigerians,” she said.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, pledged support for the commission’s efforts to reposition itself as a more effective institution for promoting equity, inclusion and national unity.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Oyebanji said the retreat’s theme aligned with Nigeria’s aspiration for unity, fairness and equal opportunity.

He stressed that the commission remained indispensable to promoting balanced representation, social justice and national integration.

“The Federal Character Commission occupies a strategic position in nurturing national integration, promoting social justice and strengthening confidence in public institutions.

“At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in governance, your work has never been more important.

“I urge participants to generate practical and innovative solutions that will further strengthen the commission’s effectiveness, credibility and public impact,” the governor said.

Participants examined issues including “The Constitutional and Statutory Framework of the FCC as a Panacea for National Equity and Cohesion in Nigeria,” presented by Mr Pam Botmang.

They also considered “Leadership, Public Trust and Institutional Renewal in the Public Service: Restoring Public Confidence in National Institutions,” presented by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi.

The retreat also features case studies on successful institutional reforms, with Prof. Chris Kwaja of Modibbo Adama University presenting lessons from Rwanda.

Also, the Clerk of the National Assembly Committee on Federal Character, Mr Idowu Bakare, examines institutional reforms using the United States model. (NAN)

Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi