By Abuja’s Favour Ulebor
Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, has warned the recently appointed Federal Character Commission (FCC) members that advancing equity and inclusivity in federal institutions should never come at the expense of skill, expertise, or effectiveness.
During the two-day induction session for the commission’s recently appointed commissioners in Abuja on Tuesday, Gbajabiamila delivered the charge.
According to him, the FCC was established by the Constitution to make sure that the makeup of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the way its business are conducted reflect Nigeria’s federal nature and the need to foster national unity.
He asserts that the mandate is essential to Nigeria’s peace and stability, particularly at a time when the nation needs to maintain its unity of purpose as the world continues to change.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that inclusion must strengthen institutional efficacy rather than diminish it and that federal character is not a numbers game.
“Federal Character must never be reduced to a simple math exercise,” he stated. It needs to coexist with proficiency, professionalism, and effectiveness.
He exhorted the commissioners to act bravely, defy pressure, and stick to the Constitution when it comes to hiring, assigning, and allocating projects.
He also reminded the board that federal character extends beyond political appointments and includes equitable allocation of national resources, social services, and infrastructure projects.
The commission, he continued, acts as a vital layer of checks and balances within the executive, preventing division, fostering public confidence, and guaranteeing that inclusion never compromises greatness.
In a welcome speech, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, spoke on behalf of Prof. Babatunde Bernard, the Senior Technical Adviser to the SGF, and characterized the induction as strategic and opportune, with the goal of enhancing institutional performance and bolstering governance.
According to him, the workshop’s goal was to recast the Commission as an active, open, and goal-oriented organization.
According to FCC Executive Chairman Hulayat Omidiran, the session signified the official shift from appointment to meaningful service.
According to her, the FCC plays a delicate role in Nigeria’s government structure by advancing justice, equity, inclusivity, and balance in a multicultural country.
Omidiran insisted that under the new leadership, things would not be the same and said that the board will concentrate on data-driven compliance, contemporary monitoring methods, and reliable enforcement procedures.
According to her, the FCC must carry out its duties fearlessly and favorably, guided by the law, the national interest, and the fairness values that uphold excellence throughout the federation.
