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

Published

2 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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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

14 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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