Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as a resilient communicator whose contributions to Nigeria’s media and governance landscape remains significant to nation building and development.
The Information Minister, stated this at the book launch titled: “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration”, authored by former Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The book provides an insider’s account of government communication during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, reflecting on how media narratives shape a nation’s legacy.
Idris stressed that accepting to serve as Lai Mohammed’s successor, means accepting responsibility as a call to service, describing the position of government spokesperson as one of the most demanding roles in public service.
According to Idris, Alhaji “Lai Mohammed was one of the most criticised members of the cabinet during his tenure, because of his role of defending government policies.”
He however noted that criticism comes with the territory of public communication.
The Minister said; “Speaking on behalf of the government is a very difficult role. Lai Mohammed is the most criticised member of that cabinet. Navigating through some thorny issues requires some skills. He has played his own role towards the development of our country and I have learnt a few things from him. And I will continue to do my job the best way I can.”
Reflecting on comparisons between his communication style and that of his predecessor, he said “he adopted a different approach, rooted in his belief as a professional communicator.”
He recalled how public commentators initially accused him of being a continuation of his predecessor, but stressed that while his style differs, he remains committed to effectively communicating government policies.
“Some people accused me of not doing it the way Alhaji Lai was doing it. I am still doing those things but in a way that is a bit different. What I try to do is to avoid some of the potholes to the extent that some people say this man is not talking like Lai Mohammed, they said Lai Mohammed has gone with the microphone,” he noted.
Idris further commended Lai Mohammed’s consistency, dedication and passion for public communication that has remained evident even after leaving office.
“There are two things that Alhaji Lai Mohammed did that stood him out; He brought the International Press Institute to Nigeria for the first time ever.”
“His tenure also witnessed the beginning of the bid to host the UNESCO category 2 media and information literacy institute, a process that was completed under the current administration. Whatever you say about him, he has contributed to the leadership, growth and development of this country,” Idris said, urging critics to also contribute constructively to national discourse.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is the Author of the book, “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,” described it as a personal effort to document his nearly eight-year tenure as Nigeria’s longest-serving Minister of Information and Culture, covering information, culture, tourism, and national orientation.
“For almost eight years, I was at the centre of government communication, crisis management and national orientation. I saw firsthand how decisions were made, how narratives were shaped and how misinformation often overshadowed facts,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed explained that he did not write the book to defend the legacy of President Buhari, noting that “the truth needs no defence.”
According to him, Africans must tell their own stories to avoid distortion, saying if one does not tell their stories, someone else will, and they will tell it to suit their purpose.
“My uncommon access to government decision-making over a long stretch of time places a responsibility on me to preserve an accurate record, correct long-standing misconceptions and provide clarity where necessary. It is my hope that this book will serve as a resource for researchers, media professionals and students of politics, communications and public relations, among others,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed, said that the book highlighted government projects and provided communication materials for the 2023 electioneering campaigns to counter the opposition’s claim that the APC had nothing to campaign with.
“How we restored the long-lost glory of the National Theatre, our contribution to stopping P&ID from defrauding Nigeria of $9.6 billion, how Nigeria achieved the largest repatriation of stolen artefacts in the world, what we did to counter the opposition’s false narrative on the recovery of territories from Boko Haram shortly after we assumed office and how we engaged the Bring Back Our Girls Movement, whose members travelled with us to Yola and flew search sorties on Nigerian Air Force planes”, he added.
For his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, said the book is the most fitting tribute to late President Muhammau Buhari, saying it documents and honours his legacy of integrity, discipline, and devoted service.
“The launch is profoundly significant, held on the first of the most famous birthdays of President Mohammadu Buhari this year. It is a most fitting tribute, honouring his legacy of integrity, discipline, and devoted service by documenting the very era we shaped. Your work provides an invaluable written chronicle, ensuring Nigerians and future generations have a definitive record of the policies, narratives, and pivotal moments that transformed an administration. This book is a vital contribution to our historical archives and public understanding”, he said.
The book launch, which brought together traditional rulers, both Serving and past Ministers, and Public Officers, emphasised that, how an administration communicates can be as influential as its policies.