The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended his predecessor, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for initiating landmark reforms and programmes that significantly advanced the development of Nigeria’s media landscape.
The Minister gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday at the public presentation of a book titled “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,” authored by the former Minister of Information.
Idris described two major achievements recorded during Lai Mohammed’s tenure as watershed moments in Nigeria’s media history. These include hosting the International Press Institute (IPI) World Congress in Nigeria for the first time in 2018 and the successful bid to host the UNESCO Category Two Media and Information Literacy Institute.
“There are two things that Alhaji Lai Mohammed has done that are not properly documented,” Idris said. “First, it was during his tenure that the International Press Institute came to Nigeria for the first time ever, bringing editors from across the world to the country.
“Secondly, his tenure witnessed the beginning of the bid to host the UNESCO Category Two Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria. It was Lai Mohammed who started it, and I only concluded the process about two months ago. Thank you, Honourable Minister, for what you have done,”
The Minister noted that his predecessor has an extensive and distinguished public service record, having served for over a decade as a spokesperson of the political opposition in the Fourth Republic before spending eight years as Minister of Information the longest tenure in that position in Nigeria’s political history.
“His shoes are very big to fill for a number of reasons,” Idris said. “He was an opposition spokesperson for more than ten years and also the longest-serving Minister of Information in this country.”
Idris described the role of Minister of Information as particularly demanding, stressing that it requires exceptional skill, tact, and resilience to navigate complex and sensitive national issues.
“It’s a very difficult role. Navigating thorny issues requires special skills, and it is not a job anyone can do without deep experience,” he said.
The Minister further acknowledged that he has drawn valuable lessons from Lai Mohammed’s experience, which he continues to apply in his service to the nation.
“I have learnt a few things from Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and I will continue to apply them to the best of my ability,” he stated.
Idris also praised his predecessor for documenting his experiences in public service, noting that the book will enrich the nation’s historical record and serve as a valuable resource for future generations.