Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded the reforms being carried out at the Federal Character Commission, FCC under the leadership of Hulayat Omidiran
Oyebanji noted that the FCC remains central to Nigeria’s drive for equity, inclusion, national unity and national cohesion.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday in Ikogosi-Ekiti at the opening of the FCC’s 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat, where he was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro.
The 5-day retreat, holding from July 7 to July 11, 2026, has as its theme: “Repositioning the Federal Character Commission for Institutional Renewal, Leadership Cohesion and National Relevance.”
Declaring the retreat open, the Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hulayat Omidiran, said the Commission must transform into a more responsive, transparent and innovative institution.
Omidiran described the gathering as a defining moment for the Commission and a platform to deepen collaboration between Board and Management, strengthen capacity, and develop practical strategies for delivering on the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
According to her “As the constitutional institution entrusted with promoting and enforcing the Federal Character Principle, our responsibility extends beyond regulatory oversight” .
She stressed “We must continually strengthen our institutional capacity, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and reposition the Commission to respond effectively to the evolving expectations of Nigerians. The outcome of this retreat must position the Commission for greater effectiveness, institutional renewal and national relevance.”
The FCC boss added that restoring public confidence in the FCC requires concrete reforms that ensure fairness in appointments, recruitment and distribution of public resources across the country.
Welcoming participants to Ekiti, Prof. Adubiaro conveyed Governor Oyebanji’s support for the FCC’s repositioning efforts.
Delivering the Governor’s keynote address, she said the retreat’s theme aligns with Nigeria’s aspiration for unity through fairness and equal opportunity.
The Governor stated “The Federal Character Commission occupies a strategic position in nurturing national integration, promoting social justice and strengthening confidence in public institutions,” .
Oyebanji pointed out “At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in governance, your work has never been more important. I urge participants to generate practical and innovative solutions that will further strengthen the Commission’s effectiveness, credibility and public impact.”
Prof. Adubiaro noted that Ekiti State remains committed to the principles of federal character and would continue to support institutions working to deepen national unity.
Organizers said the retreat is expected to produce actionable recommendations to reposition the FCC for better service delivery. Key areas of focus include digitalizing complaints handling, strengthening monitoring and compliance mechanisms, and improving public engagement.
The FCC Chairman and Governor Oyebanji’s team agreed that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable development, institutions like the FCC must be seen as fair, credible and proactive.
The event was attended by Honourable Commissioners of the FCC, management staff, senior government officials, and other stakeholders.
The retreat has in attendance Kafayat Oyetola, former First Lady of Osun State and wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as Special Guest.
Lead Facilitators are Olusade Adesola, retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, with Humphrey Ukah as Co-Lead Facilitator.
Other speakers include Hon. Pam Botmang, who presented on The Constitutional and Statutory Framework of the FCC as a Panacea for National Equity and Cohesion in Nigeria; former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, who spoke on _Leadership, Public Trust and Institutional Renewal_; Prof. Chris Kwaja of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, who presented case studies from Rwanda; and Mr. Idowu Bakare, Clerk of the National Assembly Committee on Federal Character, who examined the United States model.
