Profile of Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, newly appointed FCC Chairman

Ayo Hulayat Omidiran is a Nigerian politician, sports administrator, and the newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

She is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Profile summary

Name: Ayo Hulayat Omidiran

Born: November 10, 1963

State of origin: Osun

Education: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Marital status: Married

Career: Politician

Background

Born on November 10, 1963, Ayo Omidiran hails from Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

Her educational journey began at Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire, where she obtained her West African School Certificate in 1980.

She proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry in 1985.

Career highlights

Omidiran served as the federal lawmaker representing the Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, succeeding Patricia Etteh and later handing over to Taiwo Oluga.

During her time in the legislature, she held several strategic roles, including Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, and served on committees such as Judiciary, Communications, Interior, Solid Minerals, Women Affairs, and Women in Parliament.

Omidiran’s influence extends beyond politics into sports development.

She founded Omidiran Babes Football Club in Osogbo in 1997, served on the Nigerian Football Association Board from 2002 to 2005, and has been a member of the FIFA Women’s Committee since 2006.

In 2017, she was appointed head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Women’s Football Committee.

Personal life

A passionate football supporter, she has actively promoted grassroots sports, notably sponsoring the Ayedaade-Irewole-Isokan Federal Constituency Football Competition in 2018, which concluded with finals at Ayedaade High School, Ikire.

Appointment

In 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed her as the new Executive Chairman of the FCC, replacing Dr. Muheeba Dankaka.

Her vast experience in governance, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization is expected to shape her leadership in the role.