The Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), Dr. Chris Akomas, says the forum’s fifth national conference will focus on rebuilding trust between leaders and citizens as part of efforts to promote national unity, good governance and sustainable development.

Akomas stated this when members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the forum’s National Patron and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, ahead of the conference scheduled for October 20 and 21.in Abuja.

He said the conference, with the theme, “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect,” would provide practical recommendations for addressing governance challenges and strengthening democratic institutions.

According to him, the Board of Trustees resolved to visit the forum’s patrons to appreciate their consistent support, formally notify them of the conference and seek their participation.

Dr. Akomas said the delegation also presented Ganduje with the proceedings of the forum’s fourth national conference and its 2026/2027 desk calendar.

He described Ganduje as a committed supporter of the forum, noting that he had consistently attended its annual conferences or delegated representatives whenever official engagements prevented his attendance.

The forum chairman disclosed that members had earlier visited the forum’s Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who commended the steady growth of the organisation and expressed willingness to attend this year’s conference.

He reiterated that the forum remained a non-partisan body committed to promoting national unity, democratic governance and sound public policy by leveraging the wealth of experience of former deputy governors.

Akomas also invited Ganduje to visit the forum’s national secretariat in recognition of his continued support for the organisation.

Responding, the Former Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje urged the forum to play a more active role in reconciling serving governors and their deputies whenever disagreements arise, saying such interventions would strengthen democratic governance and political stability.

He said former deputy governors possess the experience and credibility to mediate in political disputes and offer objective advice to serving public office holders.

The former Kano State governor also called on the forum to examine the recurring conflicts between outgoing governors and their successors, describing the trend as a growing challenge to Nigeria’s democracy.

Ganduje accepted the invitation to attend the forum’s fifth national conference and commended the organisation for sustaining its advocacy on good governance, noting that the impact of its programmes reflected its seriousness and relevance to national development.

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria is a non-partisan body comprising former deputy governors from the country’s 36 states and it provides a platform for members to share governance experiences and make policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.

Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha continues to demonstrate that purposeful representation is best measured by enduring institutions that transform lives and drive economic development.

Following the successful National Assembly passage and approval of [HB-1605] for the establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Ikwuano, Abia State, which is currently awaiting the Presidential assent. Another major bill sponsored by the Honourable Obi Aguocha has today, Wednesday 22 July 2026, passed the third reading in the House of Representatives. The House Bill -1659 will now be transmitted to the Senate for their concurrence.

The Federal Institute of Mining and Geosciences, when approved by the Senate and subsequently signed into law, is designed to become a national centre of excellence for:

Mining and Geosciences education.

Diploma and Degree level programs.

Technical and vocational training.

Research and innovation in mineral exploration and exploitation.

Laboratory and mineral analysis services.

Development of skilled manpower for Nigeria’s mining and solid minerals sector.

Beyond its educational mandate, the Institute is expected to unlock enormous opportunities for Ikwuano-Umuahia, for Abia State and the South-East through jobs creation, research partnerships, industrial development and investment in the solid minerals value chain.

Its establishment has the potential to create massive employment opportunities for lecturers, researchers, engineers, geologists, laboratory scientists, administrative personnel, ICT professionals, technical staff, artisans, and numerous support services. It is also expected to stimulate local businesses, improve infrastructure, and attract public and private sector investment into the region.

These achievements underscore Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha’s commitment to attracting transformative federal institutions capable of delivering lasting socioeconomic benefits to the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

With the Federal Medical Centre, Ikwuano Bill [HB-1605], now awaiting Presidential assent and the Federal Institute of Mining and Geosciences [HB-1659] being transmitted to the Senate for concurrence, the constituency continues to witness a deliberate plan and focus by the Honourable Member on institutional building as a pathway to sustainable development for his constituents.

Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha remains steadfast in his commitment to sponsoring impactful legislation that creates opportunities, strengthens public institutions, expands access to essential services, and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity for our people.

The Honourable Member remains grateful to His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR, and to his constituents for their continued support and the privilege of serving them. He assures that it will surely end in praise.

Signed:

Media Office:-

Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha.

Member Representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.

The attention of the media team of member representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal Constituency Hon Obi Aguocha to a defamatory publication with the above title by one Tony Icheku operating on a free blog site wherein he made several accusations against the person of the law maker.

Ordinarily our principal in his usual calm nature would have ignored the post, firstly because it was posted on a free blogspot with zero followership, secondly because it was posted by his constituent from a clan he loves do much, the Ikwuano clan.

But for the purposes of clarity and because the enemies of Ndi Ikwuano Umuahia, those who had the opportunity to positively rewrite the history of Ikwuano Umuahia but choose greed and selfishness, are already sharing it and trying to use it to launder their battered image, there is therefore need to set the records straight!

Firstly, the Senate is a revered and organized institution where information can easily be sourced and verified, so one wonders how a sound and right thinking person will believe that Hon. Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives will lay claim to a non existent legislative process.

Because we know a failed journalist line Tony Icheku cannot do his diligence we decided to attach here with, the Senate proceedings wherein the said Bill HB1605 was passed.

The Federal Medical Centers Act(Amendment) Bill HB 1605(Fed. Medical Center Ikwuano) has been passed by the Senate and awaiting Presidential accent. There is no amount of propaganda that can change that.

We know that the Orji family are really disappointed with this news. They had wished this day did not come, but they are not God, who has chosen to liberate Ndi Ikwuano from their devilish grip.

To them it is not achievable, little wonder for 8 years in the Senate, the docile T. A Orji had no single bill to his name.

This singular act is to prove to Ndi Ikwuano Umuahia that Chinedum Orji even after being Speaker, still lacks understanding of legislative processes and incompetent to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

The Aguocha media team is happy that Icheku is conversant with the relevant sections of the Cybercrimes act as amended and the consequences of flouting any section therein.

Tony Icheku should know that though Hon Aguocha is at home with Ndi Ikwuano, he will not tolerate any act of defamation, no matter where it is coming from. Every blogger should bear their responsibility for whatever they put out there.