FFDGN Urges Nigerian Leaders, Citizens to Rebuild Trust
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for moral reorientation and stronger ethical values to bridge the widening disconnect between Nigerian leaders and citizens. The call was made at the forum’s fifth National Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, which brought together former public office holders, diplomats, industry leaders, academics, women and youth groups, and professional bodies to discuss challenges facing the country. In his welcome address, the forum’s National Chairman, Dr Chris Alozie Akomas, said the conference theme, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development,” addressed a critical challenge to Nigeria’s progress. He said no country could achieve sustainable development when its citizens felt alienated from those governing them, adding that policies and budgets alone were insufficient without good character and ethical leadership.
Akomas urged leaders to demonstrate accountability and humility while encouraging citizens to take responsibility for national development, beginning in homes, schools, religious centres and communities. The forum’s Director-General, Hon. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, described the organisation as a non-partisan partner in promoting good governance, regardless of political affiliations. He said previous editions of the conference had focused on resilience in 2022, sustainable development partnerships in 2023, food security in 2024, and productive capacity and innovation in 2025. He added that this year’s conference emphasised civic education, integrity and action against indiscipline. Attendees included the forum’s Grand Patron and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, event co-chair Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief Kanu Agabi, Obong Victor Attah, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Aliyu Wamakko and Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
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