Forum of Former Deputy Governors’ Secretariat Inaugurated in Abuja

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has taken a significant step forward with the inauguration of its new permanent secretariat in Abuja.

The development marks a major milestone in the forum’s growing influence, both nationally and internationally.

The forum, describing the secretariat as symbol of unity and progress, hinted that it will also house the Polish-Nigerian Business Council, opening up new opportunities for global partnerships and investment cooperation.

The secretariat, located in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, is a multi-purpose complex that will serve as a hub for the forum’s activities. 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 stabilising force in Nigeria’s democratic journey

Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, speaking on the sidelines shortly after the inauguration, described it as a dream fulfilled and a testament to perseverance and collective vision.

He said: “This is not just a building, it’s a vision taking shape – one that connects our past leadership experiences to the promise of a better, more united Nigeria.”

Similarly speaking, former Governor of Sokoto State and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, described the structure as a symbol of unity, progress, and renewed commitment to nation-building.

He added that the secretariat represents Nigeria’s future, built on cooperation, accountability, and the shared experience of leaders who have served and still care deeply about the nation.

He said: “The new secretariat marks a defining moment in the forum’s journey. With its own building, the forum is poised.”

On her part, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and a member of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Dame Pauline Tallen, stressed that the new secretariat marks a defining moment in the forum’s journey.

Tallen stated: “We are no longer borrowing spaces or holding meetings in hotels. This building is a statement of who we are — united, purposeful, and committed to the growth of Nigeria.”

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

The event was graced by 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.

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    Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto 

    Sokoto State government has taken a significant step towards transparency and accountability by adopting Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB) for its 2026 budget process. 

    This new approach is made possible through a partnership with UNICEF and the EU SUSI Project.

    According to Dr. Mikel Juma, Head of UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, UNICEF initiated Programme-Based Budgeting in three states last year and has now expanded it to three more, including Sokoto.

    The Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Tukur Bala Bodinga, represented by the House Leader, Alhaji Bello Idris, declared open a two-day sensitisation and training workshop on Programme-Based Budgeting.

    The event, organised by the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together lawmakers, ministry officials, and civil society representatives to improve capacity in fiscal planning and results-based budgeting.

    The adoption of PBB is expected to enhance fiscal efficiency across ministries and align with the Governor’s Smart Points Agenda. This new model will allow for more effective allocation of resources, prioritising results-oriented spending that benefits the state’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

    Dr. Juma, represented by Social Policy Specialist Isah Abdullahi, praised Sokoto’s increased budget allocation to the social sector and urged the government to ensure timely and full utilisation of the funds for maximum impact.

    He emphasised that UNICEF is committed to supporting governments in designing and implementing social policy programs that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals focusing on the realisation of child rights.

    The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, praised UNICEF for its initiative and support in helping the state achieve its goals.

    He emphasised that the state government is committed to ensuring that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) design their 2026 budget in accordance with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and align with the Governor’s Smart Points Agenda.

    The adoption of Programme-Based Budgeting in Sokoto State is a positive step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance. With the support of organisations like UNICEF, the state is poised to make significant progress in effective budgeting and resource allocation, ultimately leading to better governance and improved livelihoods for citizens.

    As Sokoto State continues to make progress in transparency and accountability, it is essential that other states in Nigeria follow suit. By promoting transparency and accountability, state governments can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, ultimately leading to better governance and improved livelihoods for citizens.

    The Sokoto State Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome development, and it is hoped that other states will follow in its footsteps. By working together, state governments can promote transparency and accountability, ultimately leading to better governance and improved livelihoods for citizens.

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    Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto  Sokoto State government has taken a significant step towards transparency and accountability by adopting Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB) for its 2026 budget process.  This new approach is made possible through

    Akpabio Tasks South-South Devt Commission on Tangible Projects, Economic Renewal

    Akpabio Tasks South-South Devt Commission on Tangible Projects, Economic Renewal

    Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has charged the newly inaugurated board and management of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to pursue projects and programmes that would meaningfully transform the lives of people in the region and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Akpabio gave the charge yesterday when the Board of the Commission, led by its Chairman, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    He said the SSDC carries a huge responsibility to drive economic growth and sustainable development across the six states of the South-south, stressing that its establishment represents a fresh opportunity to correct past mistakes and deliver real value to the people.

    The Senate President said, “The ball is now in your court to add value to the South-south region through this development commission.

    “You have a lot of responsibilities to develop the region. I want you to know that it is not a bonanza. 

    “It is a call to service, a call to put on your thinking cap to add value to the economy of the nation and to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President who set up this Commission.”

    The Senate President commended President Tinubu for creating the SSDC, describing it as a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to the equitable development of all regions. 

    He also thanked members of the National Assembly for passing the bill establishing the Commission despite initial hesitation due to the existence of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    According to him, the SSDC has a broader mandate beyond oil-producing communities, as it covers every part of the South-south region and is expected to complement other interventionist agencies in addressing development gaps.

    He said, “I congratulate the President and thank him for finding it necessary to give us the South-South Development Commission. The Niger Delta has been good to Nigeria. 

    “We have kept the economy of the nation going, and so, giving us this opportunity to further develop other resources in the region shows that Nigeria also cares about us,” Akpabio said.

    He assured the Board that the National Assembly would ensure adequate budgetary provisions for the new Commission and other regional development agencies across the country.

    He said, “We shall continue to support you to fully take off and execute big projects that we shall come and commission.

     “You can count on me, my office, and my colleagues. We will support you to make sure you are adequately funded and positioned to succeed.”

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Commission, Prince Nwuche, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and the National Assembly for their collective efforts in establishing the SSDC, describing the process as an act of visionary leadership.

    Nwuche assured that the new Commission would operate with transparency, accountability, and a focus on results, promising to avoid the pitfalls that hindered similar agencies in the past.

    He said, “Under my leadership as Chairman, I assure you that we shall keep faith in executing the core mandate of this Commission.

    “We will work closely with the Senate, stakeholders, and the states. We will avoid the mistakes of the past and make sure our people feel the real impact of governance.”

    On her part, the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, lauded the Senate President’s role in the creation of the Commission and pledged that the agency would pursue inclusive and transformative development across the region.

    She outlined the Commission’s key priorities to include human capital development, infrastructure renewal, and economic diversification, saying the SSDC would collaborate with states and other development institutions to unlock the region’s potential.

    He said, “This Commission will align with other sister development agencies and work with the states while carrying out our own independent mandate.

    “We will unlock the potentials and the stranded wealth of the South-south people. 

    “Our goal is to be a role model for other development agencies in Nigeria by implementing sustainable, impactful projects that create jobs and opportunities across all sectors.”

    With the SSDC now established, stakeholders in the region are optimistic that the agency will complement existing interventions and drive a new wave of inclusive growth and development

    ​  

    Sunday Aborisade in Abuja President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has charged the newly inaugurated board and management of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to pursue projects and programmes that would

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