Lai Mohammed launches book to honour Buhari posthumously
File photo: Lai Mohammed
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, unveiled his new book, ‘Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration’, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The launch was scheduled to coincide with what would have been the 83rd birthday of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking at the launch, Mohammed explained that the book, originally set to be launched on his own birthday, December 6, was moved to December 17 as a tribute to Buhari.
“Today marks the first posthumous birthday of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Were he still with us, he would have been 83 years old today.
“In his honour, I decided to shift the date for the launch of this book from December 6, which is my birthday, to December 17, his birthday. I took that decision when I resumed writing the book after recovering from the shock of his sudden departure from us on July 13, 2025.
“I began writing the book in June 2025 and never imagined, even for a moment, that President Buhari would not be with us today. But here we are,” the ex-minister said.
Mohammed dedicated the first chapter of the book to Buhari.
“When you read the book, you will understand why,” he said, noting that the former president had written the foreword to his first book, ‘Witness to History’, 13 years ago.
The book, Mohammed said, documents his work as Nigeria’s longest-serving Minister of Information and Culture, covering areas such as information management, national orientation, culture, and tourism.
“This book, therefore, is about correcting misconceptions, providing context and sharing firsthand accounts – accounts that history must not forget,” he said.
He also highlighted key topics covered in the book, including government communications during elections, the restoration of the National Theatre, the $9.6 billion P&ID case, the largest repatriation of stolen artefacts in the world, and efforts to counter misinformation on Boko Haram and the Bring Back Our Girls movement.
When asked whether the book was meant to defend Buhari’s legacy, Mohammed replied, “The truth needs no defence.”
He emphasised that the administration’s communication strategy can define its legacy as much as its policies, noting, “Headlines and soundbites often linger in public memory, sometimes more than the actions themselves.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa, stated, “This book will serve as a reference for students and is intended to inspire meaningful civil discourse.”
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, congratulated the former minister on the launch of his book, urging leaders to “enrich our history by documenting our perspectives.”
The launch was attended by notable figures, including representatives of late President Buhari’s family, Halima and Yusuf, former Governor of Osun State, Adebisi Akande, Mohammed’s successor in the ministry, Mohammed Idris, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, among others.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.
His administration was marked by major social and political movements, including the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which drew national and international attention to police brutality and governance challenges.
Mohammed served as Minister of Information and Culture for the entirety of Buhari’s two terms, giving him a perspective on the administration’s decisions, challenges, and legacy.
