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ABUJA – The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Ayo Omidiran, has called for stronger commitment to gender balancing and inclusive governance as key drivers of national unity, sustainable development and democratic stability.
Omidiran made the call while delivering a keynote address at a high-level side event titled “Global Women Partnership Without Borders” during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.This is contained in a statement issued by the FCC Spokesperson, Ademola Lawrence, on Thursday in Abuja.According to Lawrence, the event, organised by the Betneely Charity Foundation, brought together policymakers, civil society leaders and global stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and international cooperation.Addressing participants at the event held at Nigeria House in the United States, Omidiran stressed that national unity could not thrive in an environment where exclusion persists.“Nationhood is more than a geographical expression; it is a shared covenant of belonging. However, unity cannot flourish where exclusion persists. A nation divided by imbalance cannot fully harness its strength,” she said.The former lawmaker explained that gender balancing required intentional and equitable representation of women and men in leadership, governance, economic participation and social engagement.“Gender balancing and inclusivity are not peripheral conversations; they are central to sustainable development and enduring peace.“When leadership reflects the diversity of its people, trust deepens and democratic participation grows,” Omidiran said,According to her, inclusive leadership structures encourage broader perspectives, richer dialogue and more effective policy outcomes, particularly in addressing complex national challenges.“Exclusion breeds resentment, while inclusion fosters belonging. When citizens feel valued, they become stakeholders in national peace and progress rather than spectators of governance,” she said.Omidiran also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting fairness, equity and balanced representation in Nigeria’s public institutions.She added that gender-balanced societies unlock their full human capital potential by empowering women and marginalised groups to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.“Our vision is clear: a Nigeria where opportunity is not determined by bias but by merit; where diversity is harmonised into unity; and where governance reflects justice,” she said.The FCC chairman urged leaders and institutions globally to prioritise policies that promote equality and inclusive participation.“National unity is not accidental; it is constructed through policies that dignify every citizen and systems that promote equitable participation,” she said.The event featured participation from notable Nigerian leaders including former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, while the current Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, attended as special guest. (NAN)
