Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has called on the 774 Local Government Chairmen to promote equity and inclusion in grassroots governance. Tinubu made the call on Monday at a two-day workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC), in partnership with the All Progressives Governors Forum, in Abuja. The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu urged the chairmen to ensure that governance at the grassroots was inclusive, representative, and equitable, particularly in appointments and distribution of opportunities. He emphasized the importance of embodying principles of fairness in appointments, transparency in administration, and balance in the distribution of opportunities and resources to strengthen trust in government and reinforce national unity.
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s diversity as one of its greatest endowments, stating that the country’s multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs must be managed through fairness. The President noted that promoting a sense of belonging and loyalty among all Nigerians is fundamental to the stability, unity, and progress of the nation. He emphasized that constitutional provisions underscore the need to reflect Nigeria’s diversity in government composition and conduct, especially at state and local government levels.
The President commended the FCC for its role in safeguarding equity and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions. He urged the local government chairmen to rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritizes unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion. Declaring the event open, Tinubu praised the FCC for organising the workshop and its dedication to promoting national integration.
The workshop’s theme, “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” was described by Tinubu as both apt and compelling. He stated that the theme goes beyond theoretical understanding and focuses on the practical implementation of Federal Character principles at the grassroots level.
Mrs. Hulayat Omidiran, the FCC Executive Chairman, stated that Local Government Councils are the bedrock of governance at the grassroots. Omidiran emphasized that effective governance at the national level is often determined by the strength, stability, and responsiveness of local government administration. She noted that councils are uniquely positioned to foster peaceful coexistence among people of different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Equitable opportunities, fair representation, inclusive leadership, and community engagement can strengthen citizens’ trust and reinforce national integration.