Ex-Information Minister Urges Nigerians to Preserve Their Own Narratives
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday defended his record in office and encouraged Nigerians to take ownership of their historical narratives as he presented copies of his newly published book to Yakubu Gowon University.
The presentation took place at the university in Abuja and also featured the introduction of a literacy initiative known as the Reading Sessions Project, designed to promote reading culture across higher institutions in the country.
The details were contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Nnamdi Atupulazi.
Mohammed described the book, titled Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, as a personal documentation of governance and strategic communication during the immediate past federal administration.
He explained that the publication captures his experiences over nearly eight years in office from 2015 to 2023, a period during which he served as the longest-serving Information Minister in Nigeria.
He noted that the memoir provides an insider perspective on major policy decisions and national controversies handled during his tenure. Among the issues examined in the book are the suspension of Twitter, now known as X, the narratives surrounding the #EndSARS protests, and Nigeria’s communication approach during the 9.6 billion dollar P and ID arbitration dispute.
The book offers background context on how critical policies were developed, defended and communicated at the time, particularly during periods of intense public debate, he added.
Mohammed stated that his decision to write the book was driven by a conviction that Africans must take responsibility for documenting their own history to prevent misrepresentation. He said his access to high-level government processes placed an obligation on him to clarify misconceptions and provide a comprehensive account of events from his vantage point.
He further argued that Nigeria’s contemporary history would be incomplete if former public officials failed to document their experiences for future generations.
While presenting the books to the university, Mohammed described the donation as a meaningful contribution to academic scholarship and knowledge development.
He said the gesture reflects his belief in the role of books in strengthening critical thinking and deepening understanding of the nation’s political journey.
He added that the donation forms part of the broader Reading Sessions Project, which seeks to stimulate intellectual engagement among students in tertiary institutions. Since the book’s release on December 17, 2025, copies have also been delivered to Yaba College of Technology and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, with plans to extend the initiative to more schools nationwide.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, described the donation as a significant addition to the institution’s library resources. He said the book would serve as a useful reference material for scholars and students seeking to understand the policy and communication dynamics of that administration.
The event drew the attendance of senior university officials, management staff and students.
Mohammed’s book was launched in commemoration of the 83rd birthday of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari.
