A Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, USA, and Fellow of the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. James Robinson, has challenged the Federal Government to take stronger, proactive measures to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

He also called for accelerated efforts to provide critical infrastructure, including electricity and improved public services.

He expressed concern over the unstable economies of many African nations, saying they could be stabilised through the establishment of reliable and effective security systems that would create a conducive environment for businesses, commerce and industry to thrive.

Robinson, a visiting professor at UNN, stated this while speaking with journalists at a colourful reception organised in his honour by one of the prominent sons of the Umuchieze Ihitte Afoukwu Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Prof. Chima Korieh, and his family.

Prof. Robinson, who is also a research fellow in England, however, commended Nigeria for its efforts to sustain and deepen democratic governance, noting that the country has enjoyed 27 years of uninterrupted democracy.

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He called for proactive measures to tackle corruption, which he described as a cog in the wheel of progressive governance.

Speaking on Nigeria’s education system, Robinson, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics and holder of the prestigious chieftaincy title, “Nwanne Di Na Mba,” conferred on him by HRH Eze Enyeribe Onuoha in 2022, described the sector as experiencing steady development.

He advised education stakeholders to create more opportunities that would liberate people from the shackles of illiteracy, poverty and destitution.

In his remarks, a Professor of History and lecturer at Marquette University, USA, Prof. Chima Korieh, recalled his long-standing relationship with Robinson, saying it had resulted in extensive research and collaborative work in Eastern Nigeria over the years.

He said: “In 2024, he won the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded by the Nobel Committee in Sweden, and I felt like celebrating him in my community and inviting my people to join me in celebrating him.”

Korieh said Robinson had been part of his community for the past seven years and had even received a chieftaincy title.

Korieh, an indigene of the Umuagu kindred in Umuokehi, Umudionu, Umuchieze Community, called for the effective restoration of the teaching and learning of history in Nigeria’s school system.

He warned that a society without history is doomed to perish.

He said: “Without history, how can you know and understand where you are going or where you have made mistakes?”

Prof. Korieh pointed out that it is important to know what is included and excluded in historical accounts, adding that every account of history is political because it is written from the perspective of those who write it.

He described Prof. Robinson as a brilliant scholar and humanitarian who loves people.

Photo caption: Prof. James Robinson, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics.

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