By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) says its fifth national conference, scheduled for October, will focus on nation building, leadership and national unity.
The forum says the conference is aimed at helping to bridge the widening disconnect between leaders and citizens.
The Chairman of the forum, Dr Chris Akomas, said this while speaking with journalists after a closed-door courtesy visit by the forum’s delegation to its Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the visit was to brief Jonathan on preparations for the conference, scheduled for Oct. 20 and Oct. 21, and to seek his continued support for the forum’s activities.
He described Jonathan as a father figure to the forum, noting that he had played a key role in its formation and remained actively committed to its activities.
According to him, the forum also has two National Patrons, Abdullahi Ganduje and Aliyu Wamakko, who also served as deputy governors before advancing to higher public offices.
Akomas said the forum’s annual conference had become an established platform for former deputy governors to contribute ideas and recommendations on issues of national importance.
He said this year’s conference would be held under the theme: “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect”.
“Our focus has always been on nation building. Every conference is designed to identify areas that require attention and stimulate discussions that can catalyse positive action.
“This year’s conference will examine issues of leadership, orientation, character, culture and tradition, and how they can be harnessed to promote sustainable development.
“A lot has gone wrong in terms of our orientation, attitudes, character and values. We believe these are issues that deserve national reflection if we are to build a stronger and more cohesive country,” he said.
Akomas said leadership should not be viewed only from the perspective of elected public officials, adding that every Nigerian had a role to play in promoting responsible leadership at home, in communities and workplaces.
“There are leadership gaps at different levels of society. We must all examine our responsibilities within our various spheres of influence and work together to bridge the disconnect between leaders and citizens.
“Our collective focus should be on nation building because that is the only way to ensure lasting progress and sustainable development,” he said.
The FFDGN chairman said recommendations from previous conferences had continued to shape public policy discussions.
He cited the Federal Government’s recent distribution of hybrid cocoa seeds as one example, recalling that the forum had previously recommended expanding cocoa production as part of efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen agriculture.
Akomas also urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid actions capable of undermining national cohesion, especially amid tensions in some parts of the country.
“What happens to one happens to all. We should be our brothers’ keepers.
“There may be disagreements, but what is important is that we remain focused on unity. Working together makes society stronger.
“As the saying goes, if you want to walk faster, walk alone, but if you want to walk farther, walk together,” he 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.
Jonathan serves as its Grand Patron, while serving deputy governors are associate members of the forum. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade