A renowned Professor of History, University of Texas USA, Toyin Falola, on Tuesday harped on the need for subnationals within the country to create their own foreign policy for accelerated growth and development.
Falola made this call when he paid a courtesy visit to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, at the Government House, Gombe.
The historian, who was in the state for the second Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture organised by the Gombe State University, said, “Since sub nationals are closer to the people, they can do more with the revenue they generate to turn around the fortune of their citizens.”
He called on the state government to look beyond the monthly allocation it gets from the Federal Government by engaging in collaborative engagement with national and international partners, “so as to open up the state for potential investors.”
While commending Yahaya’s administration for churning out futuristic policies, the don challenged the state to redouble its efforts in human capital development.
Responding, Yahaya, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibrahim Njodi, said the present administration in the state is open to new ideas, “innovation and partnership that can bring about the overall development of the state.”
The governor thanked Falola for his passion for the development of contemporary African societies and the need for a seismic shift in African leadership.
He assured the visiting Professor of History that his administration would not hesitate to seek his wise counsel on ways and means to bolster the social and economic dimensions of the state and to position it as a destination for would-be investors.
On the second Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture, the governor paid glowing tribute to the departed soul, describing the pioneer Vice Chancellor of GSU as an icon who distinguished himself in the Nigerian education system.
