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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) on Monday inaugurated a 14-member committee of the Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group (RHAPRG), aimed at strengthening the group’s contribution to good governance and national development.
The inauguration, which also featured the Forum’s General Meeting and Congress, brought together former deputy governors from across the country to deliberate on strategies for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration through evidence-based policy evaluation and advisory.
National Chairman of the Forum, Dr Chris Akomas, said the committee would serve as a strategic advisory body to assess, evaluate, and guide the effective implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the RHAPRG’s primary goal is to ensure that the objectives of the agenda are achieved efficiently and equitably while identifying potential challenges that could hinder progress.
“The committee’s recommendations will serve as an advisory mechanism to both government and citizens, promoting accountability and inclusiveness in governance,” Akomas said. “The balance provided by this mechanism will help the Federal Government reorganise resources where necessary and ensure timely completion of projects.”
He further outlined the committee’s terms of reference to include objective assessment and evaluation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, evidence-based policy advice, and enhanced stakeholder engagement across government, the private sector, and civil society.
Speaking at the event, former Plateau State Deputy Governor, Dame Pauline Tallen, called for greater inclusion of women in governance, stressing that Nigeria cannot achieve balanced development without women’s voices at the decision-making table.
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“The country is walking on one leg by not fully involving women in governance. The voice of a woman on the decision table is very important,” she said.
Tallen emphasised that women bring compassion and unique perspectives to leadership, adding that this was why “God created woman as a helpmate.”
She commended President Tinubu for his ongoing efforts but urged him to do more to strengthen democracy through increased women’s participation.
“Mr President, you have tried, but we are appealing that more should be done for our democracy to thrive,” she said, noting that while women were excelling in the judiciary, their representation in elective and appointive offices remained inadequate.
On behalf of the committee members, Isah Ozi-Salami said the committee would identify both the successes and shortcomings of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has been going on for about two years now, and Nigerians have seen both its successes and challenges,” he stated. “Because nothing human is perfect, the committee will look into whatever drawbacks exist, seek solutions, and make recommendations to the Forum, which will in turn advise the government.”
Ozi-Salami added that members of the committee were drawn from all geopolitical zones of the country to ensure diverse perspectives and a balanced evaluation. He said the committee would also propose ways to expand and strengthen the agenda for greater national impact.
