By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Senate on Thursday formally confirmed Hon. Ayo Omidiran as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), after President Bola Tinubu submitted her nomination to the Senate for confirmation.
Omidiran’s confirmation was part of a broader legislative approval that also included the ratification of 37 commissioners who will serve alongside her on the Commission’s governing board.
Her confirmation came after she successfully completed all statutory vetting processes, including security screening and an appearance before the Senate screening panel on November 13. She now awaits formal inauguration to assume full duties.
Across party lines, the lawmakers were satisfied with her distinguished record, describing her as a leader with the experience, discipline, and strategic depth required to reposition the FCC in line with its constitutional mandate of fairness, equity, and balanced representation across Nigeria’s federating units.
Omidiran, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State. She previously served on several key House committees, particularly the Committee on Sports.
She has held significant roles, including board membership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, membership of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee, and service as Secretary on the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
A philanthropist of note, she was the proprietress of the defunct Omidiran Babes, a female football team that once played in the Nigerian Women’s League.
Her political profile also reflects deep grassroots connections and national influence as a South-West leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC), a strong mobilizer within the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), and an advocate for youth empowerment, women’s advancement, and accountable governance.
Similarly, the Senate also confirmed some commissioners of the Commission including; Obinna Oriaku, Olvaldi Madayi, Eunice Thomas, Nnoli Nkechi, Gwana Amadu, Tonye Okio, Aliegba Eugene, Modu Mustapha, Stella Ekpo, Lovette Idisi, Vincent Nduka and, Victor Edoror.
Others are Sola Folanke, Peter Eze, Ibrahim Mairiga, Jerry Alagboso, Lawal Roni, Ruth Ango, Awwal Nayya, Anas Isah, Atiku Bunu, Bello Enaye, Ibrahim Abdulla, Wasiu Kayode.
Halima Ahmadu, Isah Jibrin, Kayode Oladele, Ajimuda Bola, Eludayo Eluyemi, Ayodeji Abas, Pam Botmang, Aaron Chukwu, Aminu Tafida, Bobboi Kaigama, Jibir Maigari, Sani Garba, and Solomon Ayuba completed the list of Commissioners.
Since her appointment, there has been widespread goodwill from political leaders, sports administrators, women’s organizations, professional groups, and community stakeholders across and beyond Osun state.
