News
Permanent Secretary Receives National Ethics and Values Award for Ethical Leadership, Youth Development
Joel Ajayi
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, has been honoured with the 2026 National Ethics and Values Award for Ethical Public Service Leadership and Youth Development, in recognition of her commitment to integrity, accountability, ethical leadership and excellence in public service.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Information and Public RelationsFederal Ministry of Youth Development Omolara Esan in Abuja stated that, the award was presented at a ceremony held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, and chaired by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Hon. Steve Olushola Fatoba.
The ceremony was held under the theme, “Ethics in Action: Leadership, Integrity, Legacy — Reflecting on Our Journey, Inspiring a Future Grounded in Accountability and Moral Courage.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Keshinro dedicated the award to her late father, whom she described as a strong advocate for girl-child education. She also dedicated the recognition to the management and staff of the Ministry, acknowledging their collective efforts and support towards the achievements recorded by the Ministry.
She expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, for his support, encouragement and confidence in her leadership.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that values such as unity, justice, equity, tolerance, responsibility, diligence, integrity and mutual respect are critical to national development. She noted that Nigeria’s diversity should be harnessed as a source of strength and unity rather than division.
“Integrity is who you are even when nobody else is looking at you,” she said.
Dr. Keshinro urged public servants to uphold professionalism, excellence and dedication in serving citizens, stressing the need to always place the national interest above personal considerations in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She also described Nigerian youths as the nation’s change-makers and future leaders, noting that young people are increasingly taking their rightful place in national development and making meaningful contributions to the progress of the country.
The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to the National Orientation Agency, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and African Young Leaders for the recognition, describing the award as both a privilege and an encouragement to remain committed to ethical leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
In his remarks, Hon. Fatoba said the award was designed to recognise and celebrate individuals who demonstrate ethical leadership, integrity and commitment to national values.
He urged Nigerians, particularly public servants and leaders, to uphold integrity, accountability, transparency and moral courage in the discharge of their duties.
Fatoba stressed that ethical leadership remains essential to building a responsible, united and prosperous nation.
News
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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