The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has urged government and citizens to rebuild mutual trust, stressing that accountable leadership, responsible citizenship and measurable development outcomes are essential to a prosperous and united Nigeria.
Idris, represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Ali Muhammad Ali, made the call at the fifth National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in Abuja.
The conference theme is “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizenship Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition For Sustainable Development.”
The Minister said nation-building required more than policies, budgets and infrastructure.
“Trust grows when promises are matched by results,” he said, urging leaders to demonstrate integrity, fairness and respect for public resources. He also called on citizens to obey the law, protect public property, reject corruption and contribute to community development.
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Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the disbursement of ₦140 billion for 2,018 mortgages across 27 states as of August 2026, and the proposed $1 billion Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme. He stressed that such interventions must be transparently implemented and assessed for their impact on citizens.
In separate interviews with Voice of Nigeria, former office holders offered perspectives on inclusion, political responsibility and rebuilding confidence.
Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Dame Pauline Tallen, called for sustained efforts to reverse declining women’s representation in elective and appointive positions, describing inclusion as essential to national progress.
“It’s all about national development. It’s all about putting heads together to ensure that we have the Nigeria of our dreams,” she noted.
“The way out is to keep pushing. As women, we can never give up,” Tallen stated.
She maintained that women address family and community concerns beyond gender-specific issues.
“Women don’t talk about issues that affect them only. They talk about issues that affect families,” she said.
Tallen also rejected the perception of deputy governors as mere substitutes, urging women to vote in 2027 and political parties to expand opportunities for women.
Former Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Tele Ikuru, said former office holders had a responsibility to offer constructive advice beyond partisan interests.
“The time has come for us to be humble, for us to look at Nigeria first as a nation,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise national interests.
“A little bit of trust from the citizens and a little bit of caution and understanding from the ruling class will make all the difference,” Ikuru said.
Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari urged Nigeria to harness former public office holders’ experience and approach elections as a civic responsibility.
“What is good is good and what is bad is bad. No matter who does it, if it is good, you should have the courage,” Masari said, advocating peaceful elections and smoother transitions.
The discussions underscored that national development requires inclusive governance, responsible leadership, citizen participation and renewed trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
