BY ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM
A team of social reform advocates and creatives led by Josephine Abraham paid a courtesy visit to former Minister of Information and the initiator of the Mass Mobilization for Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), Professor Jerry Gana, in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit at his Abuja resident, Josephine Abraham expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Gana for being a source of inspiration to their movement, noting that his legacy continues to shape their work in reorienting the minds of Nigerians through entertainment, education, and advocacy.
“You’ve been a source of inspiration to us. We see ourselves as your protégés,” she said. “We believe the true wealth of every country lies with its people. Even when governments change, it’s still the same cycle if the mindset of the people remains the same. Our goal is to change mindsets and make people proud to be Nigerians.”
She explained that her team Love To The World Initiative has been using music, movies, and drama to drive national reawakening and behavioural change, adding that their efforts have started yielding positive results.
“We couldn’t continue our mission without meeting the man who started it all — the architect of value reorientation in Nigeria. The problem isn’t just leadership; it’s also the people at the grassroots who fail to plan, show dedication, or carry out their duties responsibly. It’s affecting everyone, even our sense of personal security,” she added, appealing to Prof. Gana for mentorship and guidance.
In his response, Professor Jerry Gana expressed delight and gratitude for the visit, describing it as a sign that his decades-long work in national orientation had not been in vain.
“It’s a tremendous joy to receive you,” he said. “Leadership is the key, but the people are the heart of every nation. Our constitution is not the problem — it’s the people. Transform the people, and they will transform the land.”
Prof. Gana, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information and led MAMSER under the Babangida administration, emphasised that value reorientation remains central to nation-building.
“The problem with our country is that we have abandoned our core values. I joined politics in 1983 because I believed people matter more than things. I was elected as the youngest senator then, but three months later, the government was overthrown. Still, my belief in the power of people hasn’t changed,” he recalled.
He commended the team for their passion and determination to continue the mission of national reawakening through creative platforms, urging them to remain steadfast.
“What you’re doing enlightening, educating, and transforming minds is at the heart of true leadership. I celebrate your determination to uphold values and spread love and hope across the nation,” he said.
The visit ended with an exchange of goodwill messages and a renewed commitment to partnership toward restoring Nigeria’s moral and social fabric through sustained public enlightenment and a presentation of award to the elder statesman.
