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SGF, Gbajabiamila, Wase, HoS Mandate FCC Board; Chairman Declares End to Business as Usual

Published

8 months ago

February 10, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, urging the recently inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitization workshop at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, OFR, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.

Represented by his technical adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume emphasized the importance of assertive regulatory measures.

“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent, and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicized nor diluted,” he said.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the Federal Character Commission as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.

The former Speaker, House of Representatives, reminded commissioners that their mandate extends beyond political appointments to equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.

“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” Gbajabiamila said.

Also, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, stressed the value of collaboration between the legislature and the Commission in ensuring balanced representation across the federation.

“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together. Strong institutions emerge when fairness and merit are applied side by side,” Wase stated.

Representing Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed re-emphasized the need for disciplined and efficient human resource management across the public service.

“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven, and aligned with national priorities,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the Commission’s institutional evolution, stressing that the workshop align with vision, deepen understanding of statutory responsibilities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan, it is a stabilizing framework that promotes fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.

The opening day of the induction workshop was attended by the Secretary, Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Federal Character Commission.
Themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” featuring sessions led by seasoned resource persons and policy experts, focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance, and collaborative governance.

Photos: Hon Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman, and Hon Ahmed Idris Wase. Chairman House Committee on Federal Character; Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Prof Babatunde Bernard (Rep of SGF), Dr Ishiyaku Mohammed, Permanent Secretary SPOS of HoS.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

19 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

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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