Abuja: The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has tasked 774 Local Government chairmen on equitable distribution of opportunities to promote national unity. The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mrs. Hulayat Omidiran, delivered this mandate during a two-day workshop in Abuja, organized in conjunction with the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop, themed ‘Deepening National Unity through Grassroots Implementation of the Federal Character Principle at the Grassroots,’ emphasized the importance of balanced representation, fairness, and inclusiveness in public institutions and governance processes. Omidiran highlighted the necessity for Local Governments to embrace equitable distribution of opportunities, fair representation, and inclusive leadership as integral components of achieving fairness.
Omidiran noted that Local Governments serve as the closest arm of government to the people, acting as the primary channel for delivering democratic dividends to communities. She asserted that effective governance at the national level often hinges on the strength, stability, and responsiveness of Local Government administration. Furthermore, she emphasized the role of Local Governments in promoting unity and managing diversity within communities, underscoring their unique position in fostering peaceful coexistence among people of varying ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Urging the chairmen to ensure fairness, transparency, tolerance, and justice in governance, Omidiran stressed that every citizen must feel recognized and included. She commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to strengthen Local Government autonomy, describing it as a significant step towards deepening democracy. Omidiran explained that autonomy aims to enhance service delivery, accountability, community development, and efficiency in Local Government administration.
Earlier, PGF Director-General, Mr. Folorunsho Aluko, highlighted the critical role of Local Governments as the most direct point of contact for citizens, providing services such as healthcare, roads, sanitation, and support for vulnerable populations. Aluko emphasized that greater autonomy must be accompanied by responsibility, including transparent budgeting, prudent financial management, merit-based appointments, procurement integrity, audit compliance, and citizen engagement.
Additionally, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Lanre Isa-Onilu, stated that federal character is essential to ensuring that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging and ownership in the country. Isa-Onilu advocated for the 774 Local Government Areas to become centers of national cohesion where citizens experience equity, inclusion, and responsible governance in practical terms.