Ekiti State Governor ,Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen its commitment to institutional renewal, leadership cohesion and the promotion of national unity through fairness, equity and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
Oyebanji made the call on Wednesday while declaring open the FCC’s 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat in Ikogosi-Ekiti.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, the Governor said the theme of the retreat, “One Nation, Equal Opportunities: Repositioning the Federal Character Commission for Institutional Renewal, Leadership Cohesion and National Relevance,” aligns with Nigeria’s aspiration to build a united nation founded on fairness, inclusion and equal opportunities.
He said Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity remained one of its greatest strengths, stressing that sustainable national development depends on ensuring that every citizen feels represented, respected and valued.
According to him, the FCC was established to uphold the constitutional principles of equity, justice and inclusiveness and remains critical to promoting balanced representation, national integration and public confidence in governance.
“The retreat comes at a crucial period in our nation’s development. It provides an opportunity for introspection, strategic reassessment and renewed commitment to the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
“Repositioning the institution requires innovation, accountability, adaptability and visionary leadership capable of responding to emerging national realities,” he said.
Oyebanji also stressed the need for leadership cohesion, noting that no institution could achieve lasting success without unity of purpose, collective responsibility and shared values among its leadership.
He urged participants to engage actively in the retreat and develop practical solutions that would strengthen the Commission’s effectiveness, credibility and national relevance.
The Governor said Ekiti had continued to distinguish itself as a centre of learning, excellence and integrity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to shared prosperity through investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and economic development.
He thanked the leadership of the FCC for its continued support for Ekiti and described the relationship between the Commission and the state as one that promotes national cooperation and effective service delivery.
Oyebanji also encouraged delegates to explore the tourism potential of Ikogosi, describing the famous warm springs as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity in diversity, where warm and cold springs flow side by side in harmony.
He assured participants of adequate security and hospitality throughout the retreat and expressed optimism that the meeting would produce innovative ideas and actionable recommendations to reposition the Commission.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, called on members of the Commission’s board and management to renew their commitment to institutional excellence, leadership cohesion and the promotion of equal opportunities across the country.
Omidiran said the retreat would provide an opportunity to review the Commission’s progress, strengthen collaboration and develop practical strategies for the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate.
She commended the Ekiti State Government for its hospitality and congratulated Oyebanji on his re-election, describing it as a reflection of the confidence the people have in his administration.
The FCC chairman urged participants to uphold the values of fairness, accountability, professionalism and selfless service, expressing confidence that the retreat would produce far-reaching resolutions that would enhance the Commission’s effectiveness and national relevance.
Also speaking, Mr. Taiye Emagha, General Manager and Divisional Head, Extractive Industries, Large Enterprises Directorate of the Bank of Industries who represented his organisation’s Managing Director and management, described the retreat as timely and strategic.
He said the outcome of the retreat would strengthen institutional renewal, deepen leadership cohesion and enhance the Commission’s capacity to promote equity, inclusion and national unity.
Emagha urged participants to translate the resolutions of the retreat into practical and measurable actions capable of delivering lasting impact.
Oyebanji thereafter formally declared the 2026 Executive and Management Leadership Retreat of the Federal Character Commission open.