Muammar Mahound Abu Minyar Gaddafi (Muammar Gaddafi), typically noted as Colonel Gaddafi, was a Libyan revolutionary, politician, and political theoretician.
He ruled Libya as Revolutionary Chairman of the Libyan Arab Republic from 1969 to 1977, then because the “Brotherly Leader” of the nice Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 1977 till the revolt against him and ultimate killing in 2011.
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Muammar Gaddafi’s domestic popularity stemmed from his overthrow of the monarchy, his removal of the Italian settlers and each American and British air bases from Libyan territory, and his distribution of the country’s land on a lot of equitable bases.
Despite the infamous ill fame surrounding Muammar Gaddafi’s name, he made nice contributions to Libya and was mourned as a hero by many across sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas undeniably a dictator, Gaddafi was the most benevolent in a region that solely knew the one-man rule, and he was a good man that looked out for his folks and created them the envy of all of Africa.
Under his rule, Libya was one of the quickest-growing economic powerhouses and was usually termed the ‘Middle East of Africa’.
Some Achievements Muammar Gaddafi made to Libya
Muammar Gaddafi did the following positive contributions to Libya during his 42-year rule.
1. Education became free
During Muammar Gaddafi’s tenure, all education to college-level was paid for by the govt.. those that weren’t able to access their desired education courses in Libya were funded to pursue them abroad by the govt. This helped increase the skill rate from the twenty-fifth to eighty-seven.
2. Medical treatment was free
Under Gaddafi medical treatment in Libyan public hospitals was free. In case of specialized treatment abroad, the government took care of that too.
3. Universal healthcare
Libya under Gaddafi achieved universal free healthcare, with diseases like cholera and typhoid being contained and life expectancy raised.
4. Having a home was considered a basic human right
Shelter was considered a natural human right for every Libyan citizen. Homes in Libya were owned by individuals and families, and were not supposed to be owned by others for renting. This was meant to combat homelessness in the country.
5. Electricity was free
Electricity in Libya under Gaddafi was absolutely free. Thus, there were no electricity bills.
6. World’s largest irrigation project
Gaddafi carried out the largest irrigation system in the world that was meant to make water available to every home in Libya. The project was funded by Gaddafi himself and often called it ‘the eighth wonder of the world’.
7. Free farming business
If any citizen had interest in stating a farming business, then the government could provide land, seeds, house and livestock free of charge.
8. Bursary to newborn mothers
When a woman gave birth, the government gave her $5,000 for her and child upkeep.
9. Cheap petrol
Price of petrol in Libya under Gaddafi was the lowest in the world at $0.14 per litre.
10. Bursary to newlyweds
When people married, they were given $50,000 by the government to start their life.
