FCC, NFF Move to Strengthen National Unity Through Football Collaboration

The Federal Character Commission FCC has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging football as a tool for national unity and inclusive governance following a strategic engagement with the Nigeria Football Federation NFF.

The Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Ayo Omidiran, made this known during a courtesy visit by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the federation’s board and management at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Omidiran stressed that federal character principles apply to all public institutions, including those connected to sports administration, describing football as one of Nigeria’s most powerful platforms for fostering unity across ethnic and regional lines.

She noted that the FCC supervises and monitors over 700 ministries, departments and agencies nationwide, emphasizing that institutions within the sports sector are equally bound by the constitutional requirements of equity, fairness and balanced national representation.

According to her, closer collaboration between the FCC and the NFF will help ensure transparency and inclusiveness in football governance, while promoting opportunities that reflect Nigeria’s diversity.

Omidiran added that strengthening institutional engagement between regulatory bodies and sporting organisations is key to reinforcing accountability, fairness in appointments and equitable representation across the country.

The FCC chairman was accompanied by Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, Commissioner representing Nasarawa State.

Earlier, NFF President Gusau congratulated Omidiran on her appointment, describing her as a pioneer in women’s football administration and a respected member of the Nigerian football family.

He recalled her previous roles as a member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Development Committee, noting that the visit was both a congratulatory and solidarity engagement.

Gusau also reaffirmed the Nigeria Football Federation’s recognition of the Federal Character Commission’s role in promoting fairness and national cohesion, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would support balanced development within Nigeria’s football structures.

The NFF delegation included First Vice President Felix Anyansi Agwu, Board Member and Nigeria Nationwide League One Chairman Hon. Silas Agara, Secretary General Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, Director of Competitions Ruth David, Director of Finance and Administration Rajan Zaka, alongside other senior officials.