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President Tinubu Swears In Chairman Omidiran, 37 Commissioners as FCC Begins New Era
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday formally swore in Honourable Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The inauguration ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, marking the commencement of a new leadership phase for the constitutionally established commission charged with promoting equity, fairness, and inclusiveness in federal appointments and the conduct of government business.
Omidiran, an indigene of Ikire in Osun State, succeeds Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as FCC Chairman.
Her assumption of office followed the completion of all statutory requirements, including security screening and confirmation by the Senate after her appearance before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
A two-term member of the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, Omidiran represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State.
During her time in the National Assembly, she served on key committees, notably the House Committee on Sports, where she actively advocated policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots and elite sports development in Nigeria.
Beyond legislative politics, Omidiran is widely recognised for her extensive contributions to football and sports administration.
She is a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and served as Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, a period credited with advancing the structure and visibility of women’s football in the country.
She also served as a member of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
Her sports legacy also includes founding Omidiran Babes Football Club in the 1990s, one of Nigeria’s pioneering women’s football teams that helped nurture talents for the national teams.
At the ceremony, President Tinubu also administered the oath of office to Mr. Mohammed Musa, who was appointed Secretary of the Federal Character Commission.
The 37 commissioners sworn in represent all states of the federation and the FCT, in accordance with the FCC’s constitutional mandate to ensure balanced representation and promote national unity through equitable distribution of opportunities and resources.
Following the oath-taking, President Tinubu exchanged handshakes with the newly inaugurated FCC Chairman, Secretary, and commissioners.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Fashedemi; and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. John Ezeamama.
The Federal Character Commission is constitutionally empowered to promote fair representation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, regional, and social groups in public service appointments and governance, a mandate the new leadership is expected to pursue with renewed vigour.
