News
Senate confirms Hon. Ayo Omidiran as Federal Character Commission chair
By Dayo Awoniyi
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), finalizing her elevation to one of Nigeria’s key governance and oversight institutions.
Her confirmation delivered on Thursday, November 27, 2025, followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination and her successful screening before the Senate Committee on November 13.
Omidiran was approved alongside 37 commissioners who will form the FCC’s governing board, completing a full leadership structure for the Commission.
Lawmakers across party lines praised her experience, integrity, and administrative capacity, describing her as the right figure to advance the FCC’s constitutional mandate of fairness, equity, and balanced representation across Nigeria’s federating units.
A seasoned lawmaker and influential political leader, Omidiran served two terms in the House of Representatives representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State.
Her sports-administration résumé is equally distinguished: a former NFF Board Member, ex-Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, member of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee, and trustee of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
Regionally, she is regarded as a prominent APC mobilizer in the South-West, a key figure in the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), and a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, youth development, and transparent governance.
The newly confirmed FCC commissioners under her leadership include: Obinna Oriaku, Olvaldi Madayi, Eunice Thomas, Nnoli Nkechi, Gwana Amadu, Tonye Okio, Aliegba Eugene, Modu Mustapha, Stella Ekpo, Lovette Idisi, Vincent Nduka, Victor Edoror, Sola Folanke, Peter Eze, Ibrahim Mairiga, Jerry Alagboso, Lawal Roni, Ruth Ango, Awwal Nayya.
Others are Anas Isah, Atiku Bunu, Bello Enaye, Ibrahim Abdulla, Wasiu Kayode, Halima Ahmadu, Isah Jibrin, Kayode Oladele, Ajimuda Bola, Eludayo Eluyemi, Ayodeji Abas, Pam Botmang, Aaron Chukwu, Aminu Tafida, Bobboi Kaigama, Jibir Maigari, Sani Garba, and Solomon Ayuba.
With Senate approval secured, Omidiran is now positioned to lead a renewed national effort to ensure equitable distribution of public offices and resources in line with the FCC’s constitutional obligations.
Her confirmation has drawn widespread commendation from political leaders, sports administrators, women’s groups, and community stakeholders both within and beyond Osun State.
