News
Hon. Ayo Omidiran Confirmed by Senate as FCC Executive Chairman
Joel Ajayi
The Senate on Thursday, November 27, 2025 formally confirmed Honourable Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), following the submission of her nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Her confirmation was part of a broader legislative approval that also included the ratification of 37 commissioners who will serve alongside her on the Commission’s governing board.
Hon. Omidiran’s confirmation came after she successfully completed all statutory vetting processes, including security screening and an appearance before the Senate screening panel on November 13. She now awaits formal inauguration to assume full duties.
Lawmakers across party lines praised her distinguished record, describing her as a leader with the experience, discipline, and strategic depth required to reposition the Commission in line with its constitutional mandate of fairness, equity, and balanced representation across Nigeria’s federating units.
A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Omidiran represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State. She previously served on several key House committees, particularly the Committee on Sports. In Nigerian and global sports administration, she has held significant roles, including board membership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, membership of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee, and service as Secretary on the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
Her political profile also reflects deep grassroots connections and national influence as a South-West leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC), a strong mobilizer within the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), and an advocate for youth empowerment, women’s advancement, and accountable governance.
The Senate also confirmed the following Federal Character Commission Commissioners who will constitute the Commission’s board under her leadership.
The Commissioners include Obinna Oriaku, Olvaldi Madayi, Eunice Thomas, Nnoli Nkechi, Gwana Amadu, Tonye Okio, Aliegba Eugene, Modu Mustapha, Stella Ekpo, Lovette Idisi, Vincent Nduka and, Victor Edoror.
Others are Sola Folanke, Peter Eze, Ibrahim Mairiga, Jerry Alagboso, Lawal Roni, Ruth Ango, Awwal Nayya, Anas Isah, Atiku Bunu, Bello Enaye, Ibrahim Abdulla, Wasiu Kayode.
Halima Ahmadu, Isah Jibrin, Kayode Oladele, Ajimuda Bola, Eludayo Eluyemi, Ayodeji Abas, Pam Botmang, Aaron Chukwu, Aminu Tafida, Bobboi Kaigama, Jibir Maigari, Sani Garba, and Solomon Ayuba completed the list of Commissioners.
With this full Senate approval, Omidiran is set to lead a renewed national effort to uphold equitable distribution of public positions, opportunities, and resources, in alignment with the Commission’s constitutional obligations.
Her confirmation has continued to attract widespread goodwill from political leaders, sports administrators, women’s organizations, professional groups, and community stakeholders across and beyond Osun State.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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