Leadership Not About Authority, Says Oladele

Acting executive chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has called on directors and senior officials of the commission to embrace integrity, empathy, and fairness as the foundation of effective public leadership.

Oladele made the call yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a workshop for senior management staff of the commission. The event, themed “Strengthening Leadership and Management Excellence in the Federal Character Commission in Line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is aimed at deepening professionalism and accountability within the FCC.

He described the workshop as a defining moment in efforts to reposition the commission as a strategic institution at the heart of Nigeria’s unity and inclusive governance.

“Leadership is not about authority; it is about service,” Oladele said. “If we can model fairness within our own walls, we can inspire fairness across the federation.”

The acting chairman emphasised that the commission’s role extends beyond enforcing compliance, noting that fairness, transparency, and accountability must become daily practices.

He also announced plans to introduce Federal Character Impact Reports to assess sectoral compliance and strengthen openness in public appointments.

Oladele further emphasised collaboration with other government agencies, research institutions, and civil society groups to promote fairness and inclusivity in governance.

Also present at the event, the secretary to the commission, Muhammad Musa, said the workshop would strengthen leadership and management capacity within the FCC.

“It will improve the directors’ knowledge and performance toward achieving the Commission’s mandate and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.