The Senate has confirmed Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, sealing her return to public service after years of legislative and advocacy work.
Lawmakers also approved 37 nominees to serve as National Commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, following the adoption of a detailed screening report submitted by Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh.
Onyesoh told the chamber that every nominee produced the required documentation and completed a rigorous vetting process, noting that no criminal petitions were recorded against any of them.
Omidiran, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, is widely regarded for her grassroots-focused leadership, women-empowerment initiatives, and strong push for fairness in public appointments. Her swearing-in by the President is expected to usher in stricter discipline, improved transparency, and a reform-driven agenda at the commission.
Among those cleared as National Commissioners are Peter Ogbonna Eze (Enugu), AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos) and Mohammed Musa, who retains his position as Secretary of the FCC.
Others confirmed include Obinna Oriaku (Abia), Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa), Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi), Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue), Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta) and Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi).
The Senate also endorsed Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo), Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe), Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano), Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi), Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Alhaji Isah Jibrin (Niger), Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo), Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Alhaji Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba), Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara) and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).
Presenting the report, Onyesoh said all nominees appeared before the committee on November 13 and submitted their CCB clearance, police reports, DSS vetting documents and curriculum vitae.
Before the final vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the confirmed appointees to serve with dedication and prioritise national unity.
“Go and serve in the interest of the nation,” he told them. “I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure.”
