By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) at its National Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, proffered strategies to addressing the challenges mitigating against nation building, even as the country heads towards a new democratic dispensation.
It came after a careful analysis by the conference participants and scholastic views of resource persons to identity the challenges.
From a communique issued at the end of conference on Tuesday, which had as its theme, “NATION BUILDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES,” made available to New Nigerian on Wednesday, the forum mentioned the strategies to include promoting consciousness about core national values such as discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance and diversity.
“Promote a culture of good governance, accountability and politics of development as well as appointing security chiefs and administrators based on competence and capacity.
“Adequate funding of education and health for human capital development and Sensitization of the citizenry to cherish diversity.
“Pursuing and installing a merit-based system for appointment and privileges as well as encouraging massive youth employment.
“Promoting the use of ICT infrastructure within the digital economy to enable the Nigerian youth to be innovative and productive
“Promoting an aggressive and creative branding project of Nigeria to promote National pride and good citizenship.
“Provision of adequate infrastructure in the power sector to guarantee adequate power supply to drive the economy and restructuring the polity by devolving more power to the lower tier of government.”
The communique was signed by their Excellencies, Chris Akomas, Hazeem Gbolarunmi – National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman as well as Lazarus Yoriyo and Onje Gye-Wado, National Secretary Member, Board of Trustees respectively.
It would be recalled the theme of the conference was examined under three different sub themes by Prof. Audu Nanben Gambo, Prof. Akpan Hogan Ekpo and Dr. Ademola Major Adeyi, who identified the country challenges from various perspectives.
These were the phenomenon of military regime that installed a command structure that defiled Nigeria’s federation installed from 1954 and Lack of detribalized and patriotic leadership.
Others include, weak democratic institutions.Personalization of state power.Wide spread insecurity, which has greatly undermined Nigeria’s productivity.
Rapid population growth and high infant mortality. Rising debt profile.Poor Administration of Elections.Polarization of the Nigerian polity which has undermined National cohesion.Unstable foreign policy.
The one-day Conference was chaired by Hon. Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON and declared open by the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Also in attendance, were the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Moses Expo, and other top government officials, Civil Society Organisations, National Council of Women Societies, National Orientation Agency among others.
