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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Following the increasing demands for transparency, fairness and accountability, the Federal Government has charged the newly inaugurated board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), to ensure equitable distribution of opportunities in public spaces.
The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the charge in his keynote address at the two-day induction workshop for the newly inaugurated FCC Commissioners in Abuja, yesterday, where he represented his principal.
While urging them to also ensure that no community feels excluded from participation in national life, he reminded them that their responsibility is both technical and profoundly human.
His words: “You assume office at a time when expectations of public service are higher than ever. Nigerians increasingly demand transparency, fairness and accountability. Citizens want assurance that opportunities in public spaces are distributed equitably and that no community feels excluded from participation in national life. “Your responsibility is both technical and profoundly human. While your work requires diligent oversight of recruitment, appointments and institutional practices, your greater duty is to safeguard the spirit of fairness and inclusion that our Constitution seeks to uphold, and just as importantly, you must be seen to be doing so because, as is often the case in politics, perception, however flawed, soon becomes reality if left unchallenged.
“The mandate that has been assigned to you demands wisdom and balance. Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. It must exist alongside competence, professionalism and efficiency. Our institutions must remain inclusive while remaining strong and effective. Your challenge is to ensure that representation and merit strengthen one another rather than compete.
“In carrying out your duties, you will inevitably confront difficult choices. There will be pressures, competing interests and moments that test resolve. At such times, your compass must remain the Constitution and the long-term interest of the Nigerian people. Institutions endure only when those entrusted with them act with independence, fairness and courage.
“I urge you to approach this assignment with a spirit of partnership rather than confrontation. Work constructively with ministries, departments and agencies. Offer guidance where necessary, correct deviations firmly but fairly and promote practices that strengthen compliance without weakening institutional effectiveness,” he charged.
In her welcome address, Executive Chairman of the Commission, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the workshop as the first strategic platform to align their vision, clarify mandate and establish the tone for their tenure.
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She said: “Today represents far more than an administrative engagement. It is a defining chapter in the institutional evolution of the FCC. It marks the formal transition from appointment to purposeful service, from inauguration to action.
“This induction workshop has, therefore, been deliberately designed to provide clarity of purpose, shared understanding and strategic coherence. It is meant to remind us why we are here, what the nation expects of us and the reasons we must carry out our responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and absolute fidelity to the law.
“The FCC occupies a unique and sensitive position within Nigeria’s governance architecture. It exists to promote fairness, inclusiveness, balance and justice within a nation defined by diversity,” she said.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, charged the commission to intensify monitoring, strengthen data-driven oversight and ensure faithful implementation of the principle without compromise.
“The Federal Character Principle remains a cornerstone of our national cohesion and democratic stability. It is a constitutional imperative that demands strict compliance across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The Federal Government expects the Commission to intensify monitoring, strengthen data-driven oversight and ensure faithful implementation of this principle without compromise.
“Your work as members of this fifth Board will significantly shape public perception of fairness, inclusion and justice in governance,” he said.
Other persons that gave goodwill messages at the workshop which has all the National Commissioners, including Peter Eze, representing Enugu State on the board, are former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Idris Wase, among others.
