The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has thrown his weight behind the reform agenda of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, describing the Commission as a critical institution for promoting equity, inclusion and national unity.
The governor’s endorsement came on Tuesday at the opening of the FCC’s 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat in Ikogosi-Ekiti, where Omidiran unveiled her vision to reposition the Commission as a more responsive, transparent and innovative institution capable of strengthening national cohesion and restoring public confidence.
The five-day retreat, themed “Repositioning the Federal Character Commission for Institutional Renewal, Leadership Cohesion and National Relevance,” brought together Honourable Commissioners, management staff and key stakeholders to chart a new course for the Commission.
In her welcome address, Omidiran described the retreat as a defining moment in the Commission’s evolution, saying it provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Board and Management, build institutional capacity, and develop practical strategies to enhance the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
She stressed that the Commission’s responsibility extends beyond regulatory oversight to ensuring fairness, professionalism and integrity in the implementation of the Federal Character Principle.
“As the constitutional institution entrusted with promoting and enforcing the Federal Character Principle, our responsibility extends beyond regulatory oversight. 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,” she said.
Representing Governor Oyebanji at the event, the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, welcomed participants to the state and conveyed the governor’s strong support for the Commission’s institutional renewal efforts.
Delivering the governor’s keynote address, Adubiaro said the retreat’s theme aligns with Nigeria’s aspiration to build a united nation founded on fairness and equal opportunity.
She noted that the Federal Character Commission remains indispensable in promoting balanced representation, social justice and national integration, particularly at a time when Nigerians are demanding greater transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in governance.
“The Federal Character Commission occupies a strategic position in nurturing national integration, promoting social justice and strengthening confidence in public institutions. At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in governance, your work has never been more important,” the governor said in his address.
He urged participants to use the retreat to develop innovative and practical solutions that would enhance the Commission’s effectiveness, credibility and public impact.
The retreat, which runs until Saturday, is being facilitated by retired Permanent Secretary Mr Olusade Adesola, with Mr Humphrey Ukah serving as co-facilitator.
Participants are expected to examine a range of issues, including the constitutional and statutory framework of the Federal Character Commission, leadership and institutional renewal, and international case studies of successful public-sector reforms.
The event is also being attended by the former First Lady of Osun State and wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, who is the Special Guest.
Organisers said the retreat is expected to produce practical recommendations to reposition the Commission to deliver more effectively on its constitutional mandate while strengthening national cohesion and public confidence.
