The Directing Head of the Academy for Good Governance, Dr. Muhammad Gaddafi, has called on Nigerians to abandon abstract aspirations and embrace structured, inclusive efforts towards national greatness.
Speaking at the Veterans Special Programme unveiling in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gaddafi said Nigeria’s longstanding references to greatness must move beyond rhetoric and become a concrete national strategy.
The Veterans Special Programme, launched under the theme “Strengthening Nigeria’s State of Preparedness for Greatness and Good People”, is a flagship initiative of the Academy for Governance.
The Veterans Special Programme targets Nigerians aged 80 to 100+, recognising their potential as moral compasses and mentors.
“For too long, greatness has been seen as a dream, a possibility, or a memory.
“We are here to shift that conversation from possibility to preparedness.”
Dr. Gaddafi stressed that the programme is not political but designed to complement government efforts in a non-traditional, impactful manner.
“We do not oppose any political party or government.
“We are here to promote productivity because productivity defeats poverty, insecurity, and corruption, he noted.”
He argued that the country is not lacking in talent or resources, but rather in the strategic utilisation of both.
“When hands are idle and talents wasted, no amount of policy brilliance can make a nation rise,” he declared.
According to Dr. Gaddafi, veterans will serve as societal stabilisers, mentors to youth, and custodians of cultural coherence.
“In every civilisation that has endured, the elderly have played a key role in growth and stability. Our veterans must be restored to this role of vicarious fatherhood.”
In her welcome address, Maisie Madu expressed her delight at the launch of the Veterans Programme.
She stated that the Academy is proud to unveil the programme, which includes nonagenarians and centenarians.
Madu emphasised that the Academy designs all its programmes with a Nigeria-centric approach.
