By Peter Adelowo
Abuja, Nigeria — In a landmark event held in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday, the Former Deputy Governors Forum (FDGF) officially commissioned its brand-new secretariat.
A development hailed as a turning point in the forum’s mission to promote national unity, good governance, and leadership continuity in Nigeria.
The new multi-purpose office complex, located in Abuja, is not only a permanent home for the forum but also houses the Polish-Nigerian Business Council, creating an international bridge for economic collaboration.
Chairman of the Forum,
The Forum Chairman, Dr. Chris Akomas who presided over the ceremony, expressed heartfelt gratitude for how far the forum has come since its formal incorporation in 2010.
“We had an office somewhere in Garki, an upstairs kind of place,” Akomas recalled. “But to the glory of God, we now have this fully equipped secretariat. It’s a dream realized.”
According to him, the new building features two committee rooms, a boardroom, a 40-seater conference hall, and a dedicated showroom for the Polish-Nigerian Business Council, reflecting the forum’s growing influence both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Akomas also thanked key supporters who helped bring the project to life, singling out the governments of Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Borno States, as well as prominent political figures like former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he called their tremendous support.
On his part, the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Aliyu Wamako, a former governor of Sokoto State, who commissioned the building described the structure as more than just brick and mortar.
“This is not just about a building, “We are talking about Nigeria’s future — about unity, progress, prosperity, and a commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.”Wamako stressed.
Senator Wammako praised the efforts of the forum’s current leadership and their predecessors for bringing the long-awaited vision of a permanent secretariat to fruition.
Also speaking at the event, a former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and member of the FDGF Board of Trustees, Pauline Tallen celebrated the symbolic importance of the new building.
“We are no longer squatting or holding meetings in hotels. We now have our own building that stands as a symbol of our collective strength and purpose,” she said.
“We remain united to support Nigeria’s leadership and work toward making this country a better place.”
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of the federal government, members of the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo and well wishers.
With this new secretariat, the Former Deputy Governors Forum says it is now better positioned to carry out its objectives — offering strategic counsel, mentoring younger leaders, promoting policy continuity, and reinforcing national cohesion.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the forum’s leadership has reaffirmed its readiness to contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
