The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building, democratic development and sustainable national growth as it prepares for its fifth national conference in Abuja.
The Forum’s national chairman, Dr Chris Akomas, said the organisation was particularly concerned about the widening disconnect between political leadership and citizens, noting that addressing issues of orientation, attitude, character, culture and tradition was critical to building a more cohesive society.
Akomas spoke when former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, visited the Forum’s headquarters in Abuja, where he commended the organisation for creating a platform through which former deputy governors could continue to contribute to national discourse and development.
The fifth national conference, scheduled for October 20 and 21 in Abuja, will focus on the theme: “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect on Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.”
According to Akomas, the theme reflects the Forum’s concern about the relationship between leadership and citizens and the need to promote values capable of strengthening national development.
He said the Forum had grown through the commitment and sacrifices of former deputy governors who conceived the idea of maintaining a platform for continued national service after leaving office.
Akomas also acknowledged the support of the Forum’s Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as its National Patrons, including Ganduje and Senator Andy Uba, among other stakeholders.
He described Ganduje’s visit as significant, particularly at a time the Forum was preparing for its annual conference, adding that the experience of former deputy governors remained valuable to ongoing conversations on governance and national development.
Speaking during the visit, Ganduje urged members of the Forum to deploy their experience in governance and politics towards strengthening democracy and advancing nation-building.
The former governor expressed satisfaction with the growth of the organisation, saying its permanent headquarters would provide members with an appropriate platform to exchange ideas, develop initiatives and contribute to national issues.
He also commended the Forum for sustaining its annual national conference, describing such engagements as important avenues for discussing issues affecting governance and democratic development.
Ganduje urged former public office holders and other Nigerians to place national interest above personal, ethnic or religious considerations, stressing the need for greater commitment to building a united and prosperous country.
He said organisations such as the Forum could play an important role in promoting national integration, good governance and democratic sustainability by drawing on the experience of those who had previously served in public office.
Ganduje also described his participation in Akomas’ 66th birthday celebration as a pleasant coincidence, noting that birthdays offered opportunities for individuals to reflect on their achievements and contributions to society.
The event ended with the cutting of Akomas’ 66th birthday cake.
