Headlines and Soundbites”: Dignitaries gather to celebrate Lai Mohammed’s book launch

On 17th December, ministers and former heads of state gathered at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre to celebrate the launch of the book title *“Headlines and Soundbites”* by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

The event took place at the Atiku Abubakar Hall, and it hosted a plethora of dignitaries like Governor Seyi Makinde, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, NDLEA Chairman Mohammad Maruwa, and many others.

The book review was done by Mr Segun Adeniyi, former Presidential Spokesperson and Chairman, *ThisDay* Editorial Board. He commended Lai Mohammed for giving his own account of how things went down during the Buhari administration, stating:

“He is a strong advocate of Africans telling their story from their own perspective.”

He also suggested that more ministers should do the same. He further explained that while the book did well to highlight main issues during the old administration, it would have been too good to see a change in perspective from being “a passenger to a driver.”

Afterwards, a short documentary on late President Muhammadu Buhari was presented, detailing his life and achievements, from serving during the military regime to his time as Minister of Petroleum and his final reign in office as president. The documentary featured members of his family and his hometown, Daura, Katsina, where he retired to after his time in office before his death on July 13, 2025.

The keynote address was next on the itinerary, and it was given by former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi. His speech was titled *Nigeria’s Unfulfilled Global Expectations*. He spoke on how the nation has become divided and said President Donald Trump’s comment on Nigeria should serve as a wake-up call to rise up and unite.

Next were the remarks, which started with Governor Seyi Makinde, who also commended Lai Mohammed for offering his own account and spoke about late President Buhari and how it took three trials before finally getting into office. He said that although he owes no political allegiance (party-wise) to Mohammed, he had no choice but to be there to celebrate the work of the former minister. He also urged other leaders to “enrich our history by documenting our perspectives.”

Other remarks were given by NDLEA Chairman Mohammad Maruwa, Minister of Information Idris Malagi, and many others. Afterwards, the book presentation commenced, with dignitaries standing side by side with Lai Mohammed while being offered their copies of the book.

After the presentation, Lai Mohammed gave his speech and disclosed that the book was originally set to launch on his birthday, December 6, but he moved it to December 17 as a homage to late President Buhari, who would have been 83 on that day.

“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.

“This book, therefore, is about correcting misconceptions, providing context, and sharing firsthand accounts—accounts that history must not forget,” he said.

The book covers a host of significant events that marked his administration, like the #EndSARS protests, which garnered international spotlight.

Other dignitaries in attendance were former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Yakubu, former National Security Adviser General Babangida, and many others.