Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) for promoting national unity, democratic governance and economic cooperation.
Jonathan gave the commendation on Monday during a visit to the forum’s office in Abuja, where he expressed satisfaction with its facilities and efforts to preserve the history of former deputy governors.
“I am quite impressed with what I have seen. Today is my first day here, and I did not know that we had such a gigantic structure with well-furnished offices,” he said.
Recalling his tenure as deputy governor in 1999, Jonathan said the facility reflected the forum’s history and contributions over the years.
He said former deputy governors could continue to contribute to national development beyond politics.
“What you are doing goes beyond politics. It is also about commerce and industry, and linking Nigeria with the rest of the world,” he said.
Jonathan urged members to sustain the forum’s activities and contributions to national development.
Earlier, the Chairman of FFDGN, Dr Chris Akomas, said the idea of establishing the forum originated from Jonathan, who proposed that former deputy governors unite to speak with one voice.
Akomas said the forum had continued to grow, with members committed to promoting national progress, stability, unity and democratic governance.
He said the forum’s annual conference would reflect its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, irrespective of their state of origin, religion or political affiliation.
Akomas said collective responsibility and cooperation were essential to building the country Nigerians aspired to have.
“Everybody talks about the Nigerian dream, but it is our responsibility to make it a reality. We must do our best to ensure that this dream becomes a positive reality that benefits everyone,” he said.
He appreciated Jonathan and others who had supported the forum, saying their contributions had helped sustain its activities.
themomentng reports that the forum is a non-partisan body comprising former deputy governors from the country’s 36 states.
It serves as a platform for members to share governance experiences, promote national development and offer policy recommendations on issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic governance and socio-economic development.
