According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture, has explained the reasons behind his new book titled Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration.
He said the publication is a personal effort to document significant events and communication experiences he encountered while serving in the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
He noted that the book provides an organised record of moments that shaped government actions during that period and offers insight into the challenges faced while managing information at the national level.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated that the book reflects his perspective as someone directly involved in conveying government positions on major national issues, he said it captures important decisions, crises, and communication strategies that defined the administration’s approach to governance.
According to him, the aim is to preserve these experiences as part of contemporary Nigerian history, ensuring that future readers understand the context in which government messages were delivered.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed explained that the work highlights engagements with citizens, responses to public concerns, and the processes behind clarifying government policies.
He added that many moments recorded in the book demonstrate how communication influenced public perception and how the ministry managed sensitive matters to maintain stability and public awareness, he emphasised that documenting these events was necessary due to their impact on national conversations during that period.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed also discussed his experiences while in office, including views expressed about the demands of the position, he addressed public assumptions that government ministers enjoy extensive financial benefits.
He clarified that the role required significant responsibility and did not provide the level of material comfort many people believe it does, he stressed that serving in government involves obligations that go beyond expectations commonly held by the public.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed further explained that financial rewards were limited during his service, he said his earnings as a minister, including allowances, were modest and did not reflect the perception that public office automatically provides wealth.
He stated that individuals who take up such responsibilities do so primarily to contribute to national development rather than to gain personal financial advantage.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed maintained that his intention with the book is to contribute to national memory by presenting a clear record of events that occurred during his time in government, he said the publication serves as a reference for understanding the communication challenges faced by the administration and the efforts made to manage information in a complex national environment.
He said: “People talk about benefits from office, and I laugh. In my time, no minister earned up to N900,000 a month.
“My total earnings were N860,000, including feeding and housing allowances.
“It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume that becoming a minister solves all your problems,” he said.