abuja: The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mrs. Hulayat Omidiran, emphasized the need for the commission to reposition itself to meet the expectations of Nigerians through the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle. This directive was made during the opening of the 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat of the commission held in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the FCC Spokesperson, Mr. Ademola Lawrence, issued a statement highlighting Omidiran’s remarks. She described the retreat as pivotal to the commission’s evolution, intending to deepen collaboration between the board and management while strengthening institutional capacity. The retreat’s theme, ‘Repositioning the Federal Character Commission for Institutional Renewal, Leadership Cohesion and National Relevance,’ underscores its objectives.
The event featured Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, the former First Lady of Osun State and wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as a special guest. Omidiran stressed the commission’s responsibility to promote and enforce the Federal Character Principle, calling for continuous strengthening of institutional capacity and adherence to professionalism and integrity.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Secretary to the State Government, expressed support for the commission’s efforts. He emphasized the retreat’s alignment with Nigeria’s aspirations for unity, fairness, and equal opportunity, highlighting the commission’s crucial role in fostering national integration and social justice.
Participants at the retreat engaged in discussions on topics such as ‘The Constitutional and Statutory Framework of the FCC as a Panacea for National Equity and Cohesion in Nigeria,’ led by Mr. Pam Botmang, and ‘Leadership, Public Trust and Institutional Renewal in the Public Service: Restoring Public Confidence in National Institutions,’ presented by Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The retreat also included case studies on successful institutional reforms, with Prof. Chris Kwaja of Modibbo Adama University sharing lessons from Rwanda. Additionally, Mr. Idowu Bakare, Clerk of the National Assembly Committee on Federal Character, examined institutional reforms using the United States model.