The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria says it will use its forthcoming National Conference to address the growing disconnect between leadership and citizens, as well as the breakdown of family and societal values.

Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, disclosed this in Abuja after the Forum’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which focused on preparations for its 2026 Annual National Conference.

Akomas explained that the NEC meeting, comprising the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee, was part of the Forum’s regular activities aimed at reviewing its programmes and putting final arrangements in place for the conference.

He said the meeting was also held to ensure that the conference would be impactful and effectively communicate its objectives to members, government and Nigerians.

The Forum chairman said this year’s conference, scheduled for October 20 and 21, would focus on the theme: “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.”

According to him, the disconnect in Nigeria goes beyond the relationship between government and citizens, extending to families, communities and other areas of national life.

Akomas expressed concern over challenges such as drug abuse, addiction, the poor application of education and skills, and the desire among some young people to make quick money, describing them as indications of deeper disconnects within society.

He called for stronger family bonds and greater parental responsibility, urging parents to create time to interact with their children, share meals and provide the guidance and values needed to prepare them for responsible adulthood.

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The Headquarters 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, wishes to inform the general public, particularly residents of Ohafia and adjoining communities in Abia State, that there will be a Day and Night Shooting at the range area.

The exercise is scheduled to hold on Monday, 05 – 15 October 2026, at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Shooting Range, Ohafia, Abia State, from 09:00 am

This exercise is a routine military training aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency, marksmanship, and combat readiness of participating soldiers. Members of the public are therefore advised not to panic at the sound of gunshots during the period, as all activities will be conducted in a controlled and secure environment.

For the safety of lives and property, the general public is strongly advised to:
Stay away from the shooting range area throughout the duration of the exercise.
Avoid unauthorized movement within and around the designated training zone.
Adhere strictly to all instructions and warnings issued by military personnel and relevant authorities.

The Nigerian Army assures the public of its commitment to the safety and security of all citizens and solicits the understanding and cooperation of the community. Please disseminate.

MO ATTAH
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army
Ohafia
05 October 2026

The 2027 Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia State, Chief Eric Opah, has pledged to deploy the resources of the state for the development and benefit of Abia people if elected.

Opah made the pledge during the official unveiling of the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe, at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia.

He assured that his administration would uphold transparency, honesty and integrity in the management of public resources, stressing that government projects would not be inflated under his watch.

According to him, he took more than two weeks to carefully assess Agu Egbe before settling for him as his running mate, noting that the Deputy Governorship position requires someone who can work harmoniously with the principal.

Opah said he examined Agu Egbe’s professional background and contacted his former employer, BUA International, to obtain an independent assessment of his character and competence. He added that he also consulted party leaders before the final decision was reached.

He described Agu Egbe as a man of integrity who would make both the APC and Abia State proud, adding that the Deputy Governorship candidate had fully aligned with the party’s manifesto and vision for the state.

The APC Governorship candidate said his government would review the existing tax regime in the state, create employment opportunities and ensure that public funds were judiciously applied.

He reiterated that the party was entering the 2027 election with the determination to win and deliver a government that would produce tangible results for the people.

The APC State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, formally presented Agu Egbe to members of the State Working Committee and the State Executive Council, describing him as a candidate with the goodwill of the people.

In his response, Agu Egbe expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by Chief Eric Opah and the party leadership.

He pledged his total loyalty to the leadership of the party and promised to work in accordance with the decisions of his principal, while aligning himself with the APC manifesto and the vision of the Governorship candidate.

Agu Egbe said he was passionate about the APC and would work with Opah to achieve the party’s objectives, including securing victory for the party in the 2027 elections.

He also pledged to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work towards ensuring that Abia State records a decisive victory for the APC.

Speaking during an interview, Agu Egbe disclosed that his involvement in active politics had prepared him for the responsibility ahead, noting that his political journey had taken him through the APP, CPC and APC.

He said he shared a common vision with his principal, Opah and would support him in delivering on that vision, adding that the major difference his administration would make would be measured by the results it produced.

Agu Egbe maintained that Abia people deserved better governance and expressed confidence that the APC ticket would provide the leadership required to achieve that objective.

Meanwhile, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe was born 57 years ago to the family of Mr. Pliny Igwe Egbe and Mrs. Anna Nnenna Egbe of Ameeke-Elu, Ovim, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

He is a Project Management and Financial Sector Specialist with more than 27 years of professional experience spanning development finance, pension administration, agribusiness development, institutional capacity building and strategic business advisory services.

Agu Egbe has held senior leadership and technical advisory positions across consulting, financial services and development-focused institutions in Nigeria and Ghana.

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sane-Konsult International Limited, where he provided strategic leadership in enterprise development, project management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), as well as institutional advisory services.

He previously served as Deputy General Manager and Project Manager at BUA International, where he was involved in strategic initiatives focused on cotton value-chain development and industrial cluster projects.

Over the years, Agu Egbe has provided technical support to financial institutions, development programmes and agribusiness initiatives under organisations including USAID/Connexus Corporation and the African Development Bank Group.

His areas of expertise include agricultural finance, business development, risk management, operational planning, stakeholder engagement and institutional strengthening. He is also a researcher with publications covering financial mathematics, pension systems and financial inclusion.

Agu Egbe is married to Lolo Lilian Ukachi Egbe, and the marriage is blessed with five children-three girls and two boys.