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Hon. Omidiran Advocates Gender Balancing, Inclusivity for National Unity at UN Summit in New York

Published

7 months ago

March 12, 2026

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hulayat Omidiran, has called for stronger commitment to gender balancing and inclusive governance as key drivers of national unity, sustainable development, and democratic stability.

Hon. Omidiran made the call while delivering a keynote address at the high-level side event titled “Global Women Partnership Without Borders” during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York on Thursday morning.

The event, organized by the Betneely Charity Foundation, brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, and global stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and international cooperation.

Addressing participants at the event held at Nigeria House in the United States, the FCC Chairman stressed that national unity cannot thrive in environments where exclusion persists, emphasizing that inclusive governance remains fundamental to building resilient societies.

“Nationhood is more than a geographical expression; it is a shared covenant of belonging. However, unity cannot flourish where exclusion persists. A nation divided by imbalance cannot fully harness its strength,” Omidiran said.

The former lawmaker explained that gender balancing requires intentional and equitable representation of women and men in leadership, governance, economic participation, and social engagement.

“Gender balancing and inclusivity are not peripheral conversations; they are central to sustainable development and enduring peace. When leadership reflects the diversity of its people, trust deepens and democratic participation grows,” the former National Assembly member from 2011 to 2019, said.

According to her, inclusive leadership structures enable broader perspectives, richer dialogue, and more effective policy outcomes, particularly when addressing complex national challenges.

“Exclusion breeds resentment, while inclusion fosters belonging. When citizens feel valued, they become stakeholders in national peace and progress rather than spectators of governance,” she added.

Speaking on the mandate of the Federal Character Commission, the FCC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting fairness, equity, and balanced representation in Nigeria’s public institutions.

Omidiran further emphasized that gender-balanced societies unlock their full human capital potential by empowering women and marginalized groups to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.

“Our vision is clear, a Nigeria where opportunity is not determined by bias but by merit; where diversity is harmonized into unity; and where governance reflects justice,” she stated.

Concluding her remarks, Omidiran urged leaders and institutions around the world to prioritize policies that promote equality and inclusive participation.

“National unity is not accidental; it is constructed through policies that dignify every citizen and systems that promote equitable participation. When every voice matters, the nation prospers. When every citizen belongs, the nation unites,” she said.

The event also featured participation from notable Nigerian leaders including former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, while the current Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, attended as Special Guest.

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

Published

4 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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