By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Nigerians to remain committed to nation-building and the sustainability of democracy.
Ganduje, who is the National Patron of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the forum’s headquarters.
He expressed satisfaction with the forum’s activities, saying it provided a platform for people with experience in governance, democracy and politics to contribute to national development.
“I am highly impressed with what I have seen, I sincerely congratulate the leaders who thought it wise to establish the forum.
“It brings together people with experience in governance, democracy and politics. Having a headquarters like this provides an enabling environment for members to plan and contribute to national development,” he said.
Ganduje also commended the forum for organising an annual conference, noting that the 2026 edition was scheduled for Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.
He said the forum’s focus on good governance, inclusiveness and democratic sustainability was important to national development.
Ganduje urged other former public office holders to establish similar platforms through which they could contribute their experience to national discourse.
“On those who are pessimistic about the Nigerian project, my advice is that we should remain committed to nation-building and the sustainability of democracy.
“We should put the nation first rather than focus on individual interests, ethnic or religious considerations,” he said.
He said platforms such as the FFDGN could help enlighten citizens and promote national integration.
“Through forums like this, we can enlighten members of the public and contribute to building the Nigeria of our dreams, a country founded on national integration and nation-building,” he said.
Ganduje also congratulated the Chairman of the forum, Dr Chris Akomas, on his 66th birthday, saying his presence at the celebration was coincidental.
He said birthdays provided opportunities for individuals to reflect on their achievements and contributions to society.
Earlier, Akomas said the forum had evolved through the efforts and sacrifices of former deputy governors who believed the platform could contribute to national development.
He said former President Goodluck Jonathan was the Grand Patron of the forum, while Ganduje and Sen. Aliyu Wammako served as National Patrons.
Akomas said Ganduje had consistently supported the forum by attending its activities or sending high-level representatives when unable to attend personally.
He described Ganduje’s visit as significant, saying it provided an opportunity to inspect the forum’s facilities and discuss preparations for its forthcoming conference.
According to him, the forum’s activities have consistently centred on nation-building for sustainable development.
Akomas said the 2026 conference would focus on the disconnect between citizens and leadership and examine ways to bridge the gap at different levels of society.
He said the forum would consider the roles of attitude, orientation, character, culture and tradition in strengthening leadership and promoting sustainable development.
“Our message is simple: nation-building for sustainable development,” Akomas said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Forum is a non-partisan body comprising former deputy governors from across 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. (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne