Wetin dey happen? Professor Solomon Tai Okajare, one big professor of Diplomatic and Military History for Obafemi Awolowo University for Ile-Ife, Osun State, don talk strong talk. E say na pure nonsense dey happen for Nigeria because all the states dey wait for federation account money before dem fit survive.
E yarn this matter for Club Elan inside Akure, Ondo State capital. Na there dem dey inaugurate new members for the club. The professor talk say each state get power to stand on their own if dem just use wetin dem get well. No be small talk o.
E dey vex for how dem dey call Ondo State poor state. E say make dem look the resources wey dey there – from ground to water to people power. If dem manage am well, no go need to dey beg Abuja every month.
For the event, some big people join the club. Chief Akindele Omole, Mr. Ayodele Alegbeleye, Olusegun Agboola, and even Commissioner for Water Resources, Honourable Ayodele Samson Akande, all become members. The club leadership handle the inauguration.
Professor Okajare talk under one theme: “Unlocking Subnational Economic Power: Practical Pathways for Sustainable Economic Growth in Ondo State”. E describe the current situation as something wey fit make person fear. The way states dey depend on federal money no good at all.
E hammer the point say each federating unit for Nigeria get economic power to survive alone. No need to dey run to federal government if dem just tap all resources wey dey their disposal. The resources na for the benefit of their citizens.
The professor yarn say the situation wey dey ground now no acceptable. Virtually all states dey rely solely on earnings from federation account. Na like pikin wey no wan grow up, always dey wait for mama to give food.
E talk say even Ondo State wey dem dey categorise as poor state get plenty things wey dem fit use make money. The problem na how dem dey manage am. No be say nothing dey there.
As e dey talk, people dey listen well well. The matter touch development for state level. How states fit stand on their own legs instead of dey wait for Abuja allocation every month.
Professor Okajare no be small person. As professor of Diplomatic and Military History for OAU, e know wetin e dey talk. E don study how countries and regions dey manage their affairs. So when e talk this kain matter, better make government listen.
The event for Club Elan show say people dey think about how to make states better. No be only to dey collect money from center, but to find ways to generate their own money. Na the real development.
E remain to see wetin go happen next. Whether state governments go hear this talk and begin work on their resources. Or whether dem go continue to dey wait for federation account money like before.
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