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Hon. Omidiran Advocates Gender Balancing, Inclusivity for National Unity at UN Summit in New York
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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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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