Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has unveiled a new national literacy initiative titled the “Reading Sessions Project” during the donation of copies of his book, ‘Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration’, to Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja).
This was contained in a statement Tuesday by Head of Public Relations & Strategic Communications of Lai Mohammed Media Office, Nnamdi Atupulazi.
Speaking at the ceremony, the former Minister described the donation as both symbolic and strategic.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here today to donate copies of my book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, to Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. I make this donation as a modest but sincere contribution to scholarship, learning and the advancement of knowledge. Beyond the symbolic gesture, it reflects my enduring belief in the power of books to enlighten minds, sharpen critical thinking and deepen understanding of our national journey ” he said.
Unveiling the new initiative, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated that the donation also forms part of a broader initiative he is championing, known as the Reading Sessions Project, designed to promote reading culture, intellectual curiosity and analytical engagement among students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
He disclosed that since the launch of the book on December 17, 2025, complimentary copies have been donated to two other higher institutions – Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta – with Yakubu Gowon University becoming the third beneficiary.
“God willing, many more institutions across the country will be reached in the months ahead,” he added.
Describing the book as an insider’s account of governance and strategic communication, the former Minister said: “Headlines & Soundbites is an insider’s chronicle of governance, communication and nation-building during the immediate past Federal Administration. It is written by my humble self as the longest-serving Minister of Information and Culture in Nigeria’s history.”
He explained that the book spans his nearly eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023 and documents the stewardship of a ministry covering information management, cultural development, tourism promotion and national orientation.
“The book offers a rare, behind-the-scenes account of how key national policies were conceived, defended and communicated in real time. It provides valuable context on some of the most contested media and policy flashpoints of the period, including the suspension of Twitter, now X; the reporting and public narratives surrounding the #EndSARS protests; and Nigeria’s communication strategy during the high-stakes US$9.6 billion P&ID arbitration case.”
He further noted that the book captures pivotal national moments such as the COVID-19 response, the resuscitation of the National Theatre, the unprecedented strategic communication campaign for the 2023 general elections, and a tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Above all, it documents the various communication strategies we deployed to ensure that Nigerians were properly informed about government policies and programmes in a period of intense public scrutiny,” he stated.
Explaining his motivation, the former Minister emphasized the importance of Africans documenting their own history.
“I have always believed that Africans must tell their own stories, lest they be distorted or misrepresented by others. My privileged access to the inner workings of government for about eight years places a duty upon me to preserve an accurate historical record, clarify misconceptions and provide context where it has often been missing.”
He described the publication as a contribution to Nigeria’s contemporary history, which would be incomplete if those who had the opportunity to serve at the highest levels of government do not document their experiences for the benefit of posterity.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed also highlighted the Federal Government Town Hall Meetings as one of his most significant achievements in office.
“I remain firmly convinced that effective communication in governance is not merely a bureaucratic function, but the vital bridge between government and the governed.”
He explained that the Town Hall Meetings, launched in Lagos in April 2016, were conceived to deepen participatory democracy and rebuild public trust.
“These Town Hall Meetings, which we launched in Lagos in April 2016, were a deliberate effort to deepen participatory democracy. They created opportunities for Ministers to engage directly with citizens, explain policies, address concerns and respond to sometimes tough and uncomfortable questions,” he stated.
He noted that the meetings were broadcast live to ensure transparency and were held 21 times across the six geopolitical zones, including in states governed by opposition parties.
The former Information Minister also expressed gratitude to the university authorities, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi for accepting the donation, adding that both staff and students will find the book a valuable resource for learning, reflection and research.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, thanked the former Minister for finding the university worthy of the donation.
“By putting this book in our library, it will open another vista for seasoned academics in that area and students alike to that book as a veritable reference material of the very valued history of that administration.
“I believe this is a masterpiece and is something that will be good for our intellectual edification and for the memory of that administration,” he said.
The book donation was witnessed by the Registrar of the university, Mallam Mohammed Sambo; University Librarian, Professor Ebele Anyaoku; the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Professor Titus Sunday Ibekwe, management staff and students of the university.
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