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Oyebanji Endorses Omidiran’s Bold Reform Agenda for FCC Ekiti 2026
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, on Tuesday declared that the Commission must reposition itself as a more responsive, transparent and innovative institution capable of strengthening national cohesion and restoring public confidence through the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle.
Hon. Omidiran made the declaration in her welcome address at the opening of the 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat of the Federal Character Commission in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti State, themed: “Repositioning the Federal Character Commission for Institutional Renewal, Leadership Cohesion and National Relevance.” The retreat is being attended by former First Lady of Osun State and wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, as Special Guest.
Welcoming Honourable Commissioners, management staff and invited guests, the FCC Chairman described the retreat as a defining moment in the Commission’s evolution, stating that it provides a strategic platform to deepen collaboration between the Board and Management, strengthen institutional capacity and develop practical strategies for enhancing the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
“As the constitutional institution entrusted with promoting and enforcing the Federal Character Principle, our responsibility extends beyond regulatory oversight. We must continually strengthen our institutional capacity, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and reposition the Commission to respond effectively to the evolving expectations of Nigerians. The outcome of this retreat must position the Commission for greater effectiveness, institutional renewal and national relevance,” Omidiran said.
Representing the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, welcomed participants to Ekiti and conveyed the governor’s strong support for the Commission’s efforts to reposition itself as a more effective institution for promoting equity, inclusion and national unity.
Delivering the Governor’s keynote address, Prof. Adubiaro said the retreat’s theme resonates with Nigeria’s aspiration for unity through fairness and equal opportunity, stressing that the Federal Character Commission remains indispensable to promoting balanced representation, social justice and national integration.
“The Federal Character Commission occupies a strategic position in nurturing national integration, promoting social justice and strengthening confidence in public institutions. At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in governance, your work has never been more important. I urge participants to generate practical and innovative solutions that will further strengthen the Commission’s effectiveness, credibility and public impact,” the Governor stated.
The five-day retreat, holding from Tuesday, July 7 to Saturday, July 11, 2026, is led by Lead Facilitator, Mr. Olusade Adesola, retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, alongside Co-Lead Facilitator, Mr. Humphrey Ukah. Participants examined key issues including The Constitutional and Statutory Framework of the FCC as a Panacea for National Equity and Cohesion in Nigeria, as delivered by Hon. Pam Botmang, and Leadership, Public Trust and Institutional Renewal in Public Service for Restoring Public Confidence in National Institutions by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi.
The retreat also features case studies on successful institutional reforms, with Prof. Chris Kwaja of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, presenting lessons from Rwanda, while Mr. Idowu Bakare, Clerk of the National Assembly Committee on Federal Character, examines the United States model. The sessions are expected to produce practical recommendations for repositioning the Commission to deliver more effectively on its constitutional mandate and strengthen national cohesion.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
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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