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By Oscar Okhifo
The Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Ayo Omidiran, has pledged to leverage partnerships with sporting bodies, particularly the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to promote inclusiveness, transparency, and national unity.
Hon. Omidiran made the pledge on Thursday, when she played host to a delegation of the NFF led by the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and members of the federation’s board and management at the FCC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Omidiran said the FCC’s mandate extends to all public institutions, including those linked to sports, and called for strict adherence to the principles of equity and fairness.
“The Federal Character Commission supervises and monitors over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across the country.
“Institutions connected to sports administration are not exempted from the principles of equity, fairness, and national balance,” she said, alongside Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, Commissioner representing Nasarawa State.
She added that collaboration with the NFF would help ensure that opportunities in governance and sports remain inclusive and representative of Nigeria’s diversity, while also leveraging the unifying power of football to bring Nigerians closer together.
“Strengthening engagement between regulatory institutions and sporting bodies is key to reinforcing accountability, fairness in appointments, and balanced national representation,” Omidiran said, noting her background as former chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League and proprietor of Omidiran Babes.
In his remarks, the NFF President congratulated Omidiran on her appointment, describing her as a pioneer in women’s football administration.
“We are here to congratulate Hon. Omidiran on her new appointment and to pay a solidarity visit to her as a long-time, high-ranking member of the Nigerian football family,” Gusau said.
He added that the federation recognizes the FCC’s critical role in promoting fairness and national unity and expressed eagerness to strengthen collaboration to ensure balanced development within football structures.
The NFF delegation included First Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Board Member and NLO Chairman Hon. Silas Agara, Secretary General Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, Director of Competitions Ms. Ruth David, Director of Finance and Administration Mr. Rajan Zaka, and other NFF staff.
The interaction between the FCC and NFF highlights a growing effort to integrate governance principles into sports administration while promoting national cohesion.