News
Federal Character Commission Gets Senate Nod for Funding Enhancement
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on the Senate to provide stronger legislative support to address funding challenges and enhance the Commission’s enforcement powers, including the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute violations of the Federal Character Principle.
Omidiran made the appeal during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, led by Senator Ede Dafinone, and the management of the Commission at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
In her remarks, the FCC Chairman identified inadequate funding and limited enforcement powers as major obstacles preventing the Commission from fully discharging its constitutional responsibilities, noting that resource constraints have adversely affected its operational capacity and oversight functions across the country.
“The Commission requires stronger legislative backing to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities. Addressing persistent funding gaps and empowering the FCC with prosecutorial authority will significantly improve compliance and accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” she said.
“We are also advocating for the establishment of a Federal Character Commission Tribunal to fast-track prosecutions of violations of the Federal Character Principle. Such a tribunal will provide a dedicated platform for enforcement, expedite the prosecution of offenders and serve as a deterrent against breaches of the law,” Omidiran added.
At the meeting, Dafinone reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework required for the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle, which he described as a critical instrument for promoting national cohesion, integration and equal opportunity across the country.
The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District noted that despite the Commission’s constitutional mandate, significant imbalances persist within the public service due to legal, administrative, financial and political constraints, while poor cooperation from some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) continues to undermine compliance efforts.
“The Committee has observed that many Ministries, Departments and Agencies do not consistently cooperate with the Commission. In several instances, requests for information are ignored, records are inadequately maintained and compliance mechanisms remain weak, undermining the integrity of the Federal Character framework,” Dafinone said.
He added: “As a Committee, we remain committed to strengthening the legal and institutional framework required for effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle. Our objective is not merely compliance, but the creation of a system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and guarantees fairness for all Nigerians.”
Responding to the concerns raised by the FCC Chairman, Dafinone assured the Commission of the committee’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges limiting its effectiveness. “The issues highlighted by the Commission, particularly funding constraints, weak compliance mechanisms and enforcement limitations, deserve urgent attention. The Committee will work closely with the FCC to strengthen the framework necessary for effective implementation of its constitutional mandate,” he stated.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the Senate Committee and the FCC to deepen collaboration, addressing funding gaps, close existing loopholes in the implementation of the Federal Character Principle and build stronger enforcement mechanisms capable of addressing violations by non-compliant MDAs.
News
DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development
Cyril Samania
The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.
Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.
He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.
According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.
He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.
Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.
He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.
Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.
He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.
Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.
He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.
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