FCC, PGF Charge 774 LG Chairmen to Deepen Nat’l Unity Through Grassroots Implementation of Federal Character Principles

Tinubu, Omidiran, Musa, Egbewole, Pate, Aluko, Issa-Onilu, Others Deliver Keynote Messages at National Workshop.

ABUJA, AUGUST 25, 2026 — The Federal Character Commission (FCC), in partnership with the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), has successfully concluded a two-day National Workshop for the Executive Chairmen of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, with a renewed call for inclusive governance, equitable development, accountability and national unity at the grassroots.

The workshop, held in Abuja under the theme “Deepening National Unity Through Grassroots Implementation of the Federal Character Principle,” brought together Local Government Chairmen from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, senior government officials, academics, development experts, security stakeholders and other critical actors.

The high-level engagement focused on translating the Federal Character Principle into practical governance, ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities and infrastructure, strengthening grassroots institutions, promoting national cohesion and improving service delivery to citizens.

PRESIDENT TINUBU: MAKE INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE A REALITY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, charged the 774 Local Government Chairmen to translate the principles of Federal Character into practical and inclusive governance.

The President stressed that Local Government remains the closest tier of government to the people and therefore has a crucial role to play in ensuring that citizens experience the benefits of government policies and programmes.

He urged the Chairmen to rise above sectional interests and promote fairness, equity, inclusion and national unity in the administration of their councils.

OMIDIRAN: FEDERAL CHARACTER MUST PROMOTE BELONGING

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the workshop as a strategic platform for strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character Principle at the grassroots.

She noted that Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a weakness, stressing that fairness, equity and inclusion remain essential to building a united and prosperous nation.

Omidiran urged the Local Government Chairmen to ensure that appointments, development projects, social amenities and opportunities within their councils reflect the principles of fairness and inclusiveness.

PROF EGBEWOLE: GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IS CRITICAL TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab O. Egbewole, SAN, delivered a keynote address focusing on the importance of law, equity, constitutional responsibility and effective grassroots governance in strengthening national unity.

Prof. Egbewole emphasised that the Federal Character Principle is fundamentally about creating a sense of belonging among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.

He challenged Local Government Chairmen to understand their constitutional and administrative responsibilities and ensure that governance at the grassroots is guided by justice, fairness, transparency and accountability.

He noted that effective implementation of Federal Character should go beyond the sharing of appointments to encompass equitable access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic opportunities and other essential services.

He further encouraged the Chairmen to see themselves as critical agents of national integration whose decisions can either strengthen or weaken citizens’ confidence in the Nigerian state.

PROF. PATE: EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Prof.Umaru Pate, in his keynote contribution, highlighted the importance of equitable access to healthcare and human development as essential components of inclusive governance.

He emphasised the strategic role of Local Governments in delivering primary healthcare and other essential social services to citizens, particularly vulnerable populations and communities that are often underserved.

Prof. Pate stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the Federal, State and Local Governments to ensure that healthcare interventions reach the people at the grassroots.

He urged Local Government Chairmen to support effective primary healthcare systems, strengthen community-based interventions and utilise data and evidence in identifying and addressing the needs of their populations.

GENERAL MUSA: STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS SECURITY

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), OFR, delivered a keynote presentation on strengthening grassroots security through inclusive local leadership, community partnership and inter-agency collaboration.

General Musa called for stronger cooperation between Local Governments, communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders in tackling insecurity.

He stressed that Local Government leaders possess valuable knowledge of their communities and can play an important role in early warning, intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and community engagement.

PGF: AUTONOMY MUST COME WITH RESPONSIBILITY

Representing the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Director-General of the PGF, Mr. Folorunso S. Aluko, emphasised that Local Government autonomy must be accompanied by transparency, responsibility and accountability.

He urged Local Government Chairmen to embrace prudent financial management, transparent budgeting, merit-based appointments, procurement integrity, audit compliance and meaningful engagement with citizens.

According to him, the success of Local Government administration should ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

ISSA-ONILU: FEDERAL CHARACTER IS ABOUT FAIRNESS AND BELONGING

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that Federal Character should not be viewed merely as a mechanism for distributing appointments.

He described it as a principle that promotes fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging, urging Local Government leaders to use their positions to strengthen national identity and social cohesion.

OTHER KEY CONTRIBUTORS

The workshop also featured contributions from distinguished experts and stakeholders, including the Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina; Director-General of the National Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Adeyemi Adeniran; National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Dr. Ogbona Chime; President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Aminu Muazu-Maifata; Managing Director of Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Mr. Akinola Odeyemi; and Kano State Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Tajudeen Usman.

Their presentations and contributions provided practical perspectives on healthcare, data-driven governance, urban and rural planning, electricity, local government administration and socio-economic development.

ALESHINLOYE: WORKSHOP MUST TRANSLATE INTO GRASSROOTS IMPACT

The Oyo State Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission and Chairman of the Planning Committee of the National Workshop, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, MDII, reiterated that the ultimate objective of the workshop is to ensure that the Federal Character Principle produces measurable benefits for Nigerians.

He urged the 774 Local Government Chairmen to return to their respective councils with renewed commitment to equitable governance, inclusive development and responsible leadership.

Prince Abass-Aleshinloye noted that Local Governments are strategically positioned to identify the peculiar needs of their communities and ensure that development projects, infrastructure, social amenities and opportunities are distributed fairly.

He expressed optimism that the knowledge and resolutions generated during the workshop would translate into stronger grassroots governance and greater national cohesion.

APPRECIATION FROM THE PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

At the conclusion of the two-day workshop, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, MDII, Chairman of the Planning Committee, expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Planning Committee.

He also appreciated the members of the Planning Committee, management and staff of the Federal Character Commission, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, all speakers, facilitators, Local Government Chairmen, delegates, partners, security agencies, service providers and everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.

Prince Abass-Aleshinloye acknowledged the dedication, cooperation and sacrifices of the committee members, noting that the successful conclusion of the workshop was a product of collective commitment, teamwork and shared responsibility.

He particularly appreciated the Executive Chairman of the Commission for her leadership and support throughout the planning and execution of the programme.

He further expressed gratitude to all the distinguished keynote speakers and resource persons, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Wahab O. Egbewole, Prof. Umaru Pate, General Christopher Musa, Mr. Folorunso Aluko, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and other distinguished contributors, for enriching the workshop with valuable insights.

He said the success of the workshop would not have been possible without the collective efforts of everyone involved.

FCC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL UNITY

The Federal Character Commission reaffirmed its commitment to deepening the implementation of its constitutional mandate and ensuring that the principles of fairness, equity and inclusion are reflected in governance and development across Nigeria.

The Commission maintained that national unity must be built from the grassroots and that every Nigerian, regardless of location, ethnicity or background, should have a genuine sense of belonging.

The two-day workshop therefore ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to move from policy to practice, ensuring that Federal Character becomes a practical instrument for equitable development, inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence and sustainable national unity.