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SGF, Gbajabiamila, Wase, HoS Mandate FCC Board; Chairman Declares End to Business as Usual

Published

8 months ago

February 10, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, urging the recently inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitization workshop at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, OFR, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.

Represented by his technical adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume emphasized the importance of assertive regulatory measures.

“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent, and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicized nor diluted,” he said.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the Federal Character Commission as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.

The former Speaker, House of Representatives, reminded commissioners that their mandate extends beyond political appointments to equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.

“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” Gbajabiamila said.

Also, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, stressed the value of collaboration between the legislature and the Commission in ensuring balanced representation across the federation.

“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together. Strong institutions emerge when fairness and merit are applied side by side,” Wase stated.

Representing Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed re-emphasized the need for disciplined and efficient human resource management across the public service.

“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven, and aligned with national priorities,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the Commission’s institutional evolution, stressing that the workshop align with vision, deepen understanding of statutory responsibilities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan, it is a stabilizing framework that promotes fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.

The opening day of the induction workshop was attended by the Secretary, Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Federal Character Commission.
Themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” featuring sessions led by seasoned resource persons and policy experts, focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance, and collaborative governance.

Photos: Hon Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman, and Hon Ahmed Idris Wase. Chairman House Committee on Federal Character; Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Prof Babatunde Bernard (Rep of SGF), Dr Ishiyaku Mohammed, Permanent Secretary SPOS of HoS.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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