***Sets New Tone for Leadership Unity
In a landmark move that underscores unity and continuity in Nigeria’s political leadership, the Former Deputy Governors Forum (FDGF) on Thursday commissioned its new permanent secretariat in Abuja — a development hailed as a major milestone in the forum’s growing national and international influence.
The impressive multi-purpose complex, located in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, will also serve as the home of the Polish–Nigerian Business Council, opening fresh avenues for global partnerships and investment cooperation.
Presiding over the event, Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, described the commissioning as a dream fulfilled and a testament to perseverance and collective vision.
“We once had an office tucked away in Garki — just a small upstairs space,” Akomas recalled. “But to the glory of God, we now have a fully equipped secretariat. This is the beginning of a new era for the forum.”
The new building boasts two committee rooms, a boardroom, a 40-seater conference hall, and a showroom for the Polish–Nigerian Business Council, reflecting the forum’s evolution into a key player in governance, mentorship, and economic diplomacy.
Dr. Akomas expressed gratitude to several state governments and national figures — including the governments of Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Borno States, and leaders like former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari and Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — for their invaluable support in making the project a reality.
Commissioning the edifice, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, former Governor of Sokoto State and Special Guest of Honour, described the structure as “a symbol of unity, progress, and renewed commitment to nation-building.”
“This is more than brick and mortar,” Wamakko said. “It represents Nigeria’s future — built on cooperation, accountability, and the shared experience of leaders who have served and still care deeply about the nation.”
Also speaking, Dame Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and a member of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, said the new secretariat marks a defining moment in the forum’s journey.
“We are no longer borrowing spaces or holding meetings in hotels,” she said. “This building is a statement of who we are — united, purposeful, and committed to the growth of Nigeria.”
The ceremony drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including representatives of the Federal Government, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and several former deputy governors from across the country.
With the new secretariat, the Former Deputy Governors Forum says it is poised to deepen its work in leadership mentorship, policy advocacy, and national cohesion, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“This is not just a building,” Akomas said. “It’s a vision taking shape — one that connects our past leadership experiences to the promise of a better, more united Nigeria.”