Abuja:Former deputy governors under the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria plan to use their upcoming national conference to address the gap between leadership and citizens.
Accourding to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, announced the initiative after a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja. The meeting reviewed preparations for the 2026 annual national conference, with members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee participating in the discussions.
Dr. Akomas emphasized the Forum’s commitment to ensuring that the conference yields meaningful outcomes and communicates its objectives effectively to members, the government, and the Nigerian public. The conference is set for October 20 and 21 and will focus on the theme, ‘Rethinking Nation Building Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.’
He highlighted that the disconnect extends beyond government-citizen relations to families, communities, and other aspects of national life. Dr. Akomas expressed concerns about issues such as drug abuse, addiction, poor application of education and skills, and the pursuit of quick wealth among young Nigerians, noting that these reflect deeper societal challenges. He called for stronger family bonds and greater parental responsibility, urging parents to engage with their children, share meals, and provide guidance on responsible living.
Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, also spoke on the importance of family values. She encouraged mothers to play stronger roles in promoting these values and raising responsible children. Tallen stressed that children represent Nigeria’s future and urged parents to raise them to become responsible citizens and contribute to national development.
Additionally, Mr. Abdulmalik Mahmood, Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, noted that the conference would gather distinguished Nigerians to examine the country’s past, present, and future. He acknowledged that the disconnect in Nigeria’s polity, leadership, and governance remains a serious challenge, and the Forum aims to address these issues and present its findings to the public and the government.