President Tinubu inaugurates new Federal Character Commission leadership, tasking members with fairness, unity, and constitutional balance in governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally ushered in a new leadership for the Federal Character Commission, swearing in its newly appointed chairman and 37 commissioners in a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja.
The event marked a significant moment in the administration’s effort to strengthen inclusion, fairness, and balanced representation in Nigeria’s public institutions.
The swearing-in ceremony took place inside the Council Chambers and was attended by senior government officials, aides to the President, and top civil servants.
President Tinubu administered the oath of office to the new appointees before exchanging brief handshakes with each of them, signaling the commencement of their official duties.
At the center of the new leadership is Hulayat Omidiran, who takes over as chairman following the exit of Dr. Muheeba Dankaka.
Omidiran, aged 59, brings a blend of legislative experience, administrative exposure, and sports governance to the role.
Her appointment reflects the President’s intention to reposition the Federal Character Commission as a more responsive and credible institution.
An indigene of Ikire in Osun State, Omidiran served two terms in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2019, representing the Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency.
During her time in the National Assembly, she was actively involved in policy debates and committee work, including her role as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has built a career that cuts across politics, youth development, and sports administration.
Her involvement in football governance spans several years, including service on the board of the Nigeria Football Federation, leadership of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, and membership of FIFA’s Women’s Football Committee.
Beyond administration, Omidiran is widely known as the founder of Omidiran Babes Football Club, a female football team established in Osogbo in 1997.
The club has played a role in nurturing young female talents and promoting grassroots sports development in Nigeria, an achievement that has earned her recognition within and outside the sporting community.
Her emergence as chairman followed a dramatic turn of events on August 11, 2025, when the Presidency reversed an earlier announcement that had indicated the reappointment of the outgoing chairman for a second term.
Omidiran’s nomination was later forwarded to the Senate, where it underwent scrutiny.
After completing security screening and appearing before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on October 30, her appointment was confirmed on November 27, 2025.
Alongside her, Mohammed Musa was sworn in as Secretary of the Commission.
The newly inaugurated commissioners represent all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, reinforcing the constitutional principle upon which the Federal Character Commission is founded.
Among those sworn in were Peter Eze (Enugu), AbdulWasiu Bawalla (Lagos), Obinna Oriaku (Abia), Lawal Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Nnoli Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Gwana (Bauchi), Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Tarkende (Benue), Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Idisi (Delta), and Solomon Dagami (FCT).
In his brief interaction after the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of fairness, balance, and national cohesion in public appointments.
Although no formal address was delivered, the composition of the commission underscored the administration’s stated commitment to inclusiveness and national unity.
The Federal Character Commission is constitutionally mandated to ensure equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, regional, and religious groups in federal appointments and resource distribution.
Analysts note that the success of the new leadership will depend largely on its independence, transparency, and willingness to enforce compliance across government institutions.
The event was witnessed by key officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Fashedemi; and the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. John Ezeamama.
As the commission begins a new chapter, expectations remain high that its leadership will restore public confidence and strengthen the role of the Federal Character Commission in promoting public service equity and national integration.
Ireport247news
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