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Senate Backs FCC, Says Underfunding Weakens Constitutional Mandate

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Joel Ajayi 


The Senate Committee on Federal Character has raised serious concern over the underfunding of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), warning that it is affecting the Commission’s ability to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.


In a statement signed on Teusday by the Spokesperson, Federal character commission Ademola Lawrence reveal this during the 2026 budget defence at the National Assembly, when the Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, presented a proposed budget of ₦6.5 billion and explained that limited funding has reduced the Commission’s capacity to properly monitor and enforce compliance across more than 700 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).


She stressed that without adequate funding, the Commission cannot effectively ensure fairness, balance, and equal representation in federal appointments and public service.


“We are appealing to the Senate to support improved funding for the Commission. Federal Character is a constitutional duty, and we must be equipped to enforce it effectively for the good of national unity,” she said.


Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator Allwell Heacho, described the funding gap as a serious setback.


“Federal Character is not optional. It is backed by the Constitution. The Commission responsible for enforcing it must be properly funded to deliver,” he stated.


He assured that the Senate Committee is committed to supporting the FCC to strengthen its operations and improve accountability across government institutions.


With support now coming from both the Senate and House Committees, the FCC is set to push for stronger enforcement and better service delivery nationwide

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

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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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