Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has emphasized her commitment to building an inclusive institution that serves all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious, or social background.
Hon. Omidiran stated this while receiving a delegation from Social Development Action Trust (SDA-Trust), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hussain Abdu, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja aimed at exploring institutional collaboration and strengthening advocacy around inclusion, equity, and national development.
She reaffirmed her resolve to reposition the Commission as a truly national institution that guarantees fairness, equity, and equal opportunity for every Nigerian.
“I just want a Federal Character Commission that works for everyone, regardless of your background, your tribe, your religion, or whatever. Nigerians should feel that this country works for all of us, and that is why we are here,” the former legislator said.
“We just need to move forward with the understanding that the capacity and quality are here, and together we are going to get this done.”
Earlier speaking during the visit, Dr. Abdu commended the appointment and leadership style of the FCC Chairman, describing the Commission as a critical institution for advancing fairness and inclusion in Nigeria.
“I am so impressed with your appointment, and we are glad that you are here. We followed your inauguration, and we believe we must build on a new partnership because we know the Federal Character Commission exists for a reason,” he said.
“We are an African institution committed to building institutions that advance the cause of inclusion and promote democracy, and the Federal Character Commission happens to be one of those important institutions in Nigeria.”
Dr. Abdu further disclosed that SDA Trust was developing a programme aimed at deepening engagement with the Commission through research, institutional assessment, and strategic collaboration.
“We designed a programme around seeing how we can work closely with this institution. We want to study the institution because we cannot effectively engage it without understanding its dimensions,” he added.
Also speaking, Commissioner representing Gombe State, Honorable Ibrahim Abdu Mairiga, praised the leadership style of the Executive Chairman, stressing that it has inspired confidence among Commissioners and staff.
“The kind of leadership the Chairperson is providing is inspiring and encouraging, and that is very important for many of us here in the Commission,” Mairiga, who is also the acting chairman of FCC Inter-governmental and External Affairs Committee, said.
The engagement reflects the growing interest of civil society organisations in partnering with the Federal Character Commission to strengthen inclusive governance, institutional accountability, and democratic participation across Nigeria.
