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Tag: Alhaji Lai Mohammed

  • Social media, nightmare to PR Managers – Minister

    Social media, nightmare to PR Managers – Minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has described social media as a nightmare to image makers because of its disinformation through different fake and distorted news.

    The minister who stated this on Monday in Lagos at the opening of the 4th Commonwealth Public Relations Congress noted that image makers in both public and private sectors were victims of the trend.

    He, therefore, charged PR practitioners to devise innovative ways to ensure a better, charged-way communication network between their employer and the people.

    The event organised by the Management School, London and the Business Education Examinations Council, has the theme “Strategic Management of Reputation Risk in an Interdependent World.’’

    “Today, anyone with access to a Smartphone can put out any information, whether accurate or not, that could go viral in minutes.

    “No fact-checking, no accuracy, no fairness, no rules. They just spread whatever information catches their fancy, and they have their own public that believes them.” he said.

    The minister, however, said that the trend is global, affecting international and local affairs including the recent U.S. elections.

    “To understand the seriousness of this, there is an on-going debate in the U.S. over the role that disinformation played in the recent presidential election.

    “Some even accused the social networking site, Facebook, of helping to swing the election in favour of Mr Donald Trump, through the fake and distorted news spread by websites belonging to those who call themselves Alt-Right, or Alternative Right.

    “Of course Facebook has denied that. But then Facebook and Google have taken concrete action to check this by seeking to cut off the live wire to these fake news websites,” he said.

    According to published reports, Google said it will prevent websites that misrepresent content from using its advertising network, while Facebook said its ban on deceptive and misleading content also applies to fake news.

    The minister said, locally, the trend has also made the job of government image makers a task so daunting that it is denying them of sleep.

    “Government image makers now sleep with one eye opened, that’s if we sleep at all, because while we are sleeping, the purveyors of distorted and fake news are busy cooking their stuff.

    “I cannot count the number of times that I have been removed from the Information and Culture portfolio on the social media in the past year, or that ministers have swapped portfolios,’’ he said.

    He minister seized the opportunity to refute the fake report that President Buhari gave 500 million Dollars to Hilary Clinton during the U.S. Electioneering Campaign.

    “Even when the Presidency has denied this outrageous concoction, the so-called analysts and experts have continued to comment on it as if it is true,’’ he said.
    In tackling the challenge,  the minister said that in addition to radio, television, newspapers and the new media, his ministry revived an age-long practice of Town Hall Meeting to engage people directly and get their feedback on topical issues.

    Mr Mike Okereke, foremost public relations practitioners in a welcome address, said that the summit afforded them (PR practitioners) from the Commonwealth to exchange ideas on best practices.

    He urged participants to adopt the positive attitude in the discharge of their duties.

    Also speaking, the President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Rotimi Oladele, underscored the need for practitioners to build effective policy and implementation of information management.

  • Minister solicits governors’ support for `Change Begins With Me’ campaign

    Minister solicits governors’ support for `Change Begins With Me’ campaign

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has appealed to state governors to support the national reorientation campaign, “Change Begins With Me”.

    Mohammed made the appeal in Abuja when he made a presentation to the Governors Forum which met at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday night.

    In the presentation, a copy of which was made available to journalists, the minister told the governors that the campaign launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 8, was for every Nigerian.

    “The campaign is aimed at achieving a paradigm shift in the way we do things and geared towards achieving an attitudinal change.

    “With the total breakdown of our core values in the past years, it is imperative that we re-orientate ourselves with a view to restoring those time-tested values.

    “Your Excellencies, it is important to note that this is a national campaign. It has no political, religious, or ethnic coloration.

    “The breakdown in our time-tested values, the preference for imported goods, the poor attitude to work, the mindless corruption in our society, etc, are not limited to any part of the country, any political party, or any religion.

    “We are of the strong belief that your cooperation is absolutely important if the campaign is to succeed.

    “Hence, we have taken up this opportunity to formally unveil it to you and to seek your collaboration,” he said.

    Mohammed particularly appealed to the governors to grant “generous airtime” on their state radio and television stations for the regular broadcast of the radio and television jingles produced for the campaign free of charge.

    The minister, who said he would inaugurate the campaign in all states of the federation, urged the governors be fully involved in the inauguration activities.

    He expressed appreciation to the governors for their preparation and cooperation with his ministry towards the success of the forthcoming Abuja Carnival.

    He appealed to the states that are yet to send their contingents to do so before the Dec. 6 opening date for the carnival.

    While briefing newsmen after the closed-door presentation, the minister said the governors gladly received him and pledged their support towards the campaign and the carnival.

    “The presentation was received very enthusiastically.

    “They gave their suggestions and contributions and generally accepted our proposal,” he said.

  • Minster tasks Nigerians on national integration

    Minster tasks Nigerians on national integration

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has advised Nigerians to make the task of unifying the country paramount as it would solve the problems of national integration.

    Mohammed gave the advice during the Annual General Meeting and conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day conference which commenced on November 8, has the theme” Nigeria Today: Integration, Marketplace and Public Relations”.

    The minister, represented by the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the theme was apt as such a time in the nation’s polity.

    Mohammed noted that for decades, the unity of Nigeria had been plagued and threatened by religious, ethnic and socio-cultural and political differences.

    He said that Nigerians must de-emphasise ethnicity, religion and cultural affiliation in their relationships.

    Mohammed said that the idea of one, united and indivisible Nigeria was still a very relevant and potent proposition.

    “To keep Nigeria one is a task we must all perform by ensuring that all groups share a common vision for the collective development of our nation.

    “We must begin to provide the basic necessities of our people; we must provide jobs, include food security and housing. We must provide for our youths and empower them.

    “This will go a long way in bringing peace and in a way endear the individual to the idea of the Nigerian nation.”

    The Minister said that emphasis should be placed state of residence rather that state of origin in government applications for resource allocation.

    He added that the federal, states and local governments should stop patronising any religion.

    “The erection of churches and Mosques in offices should be stopped. Religion is a personal matter and our 1999 constitution says clearly we are a secular nation.”

    He expressed the hope that the conference would find solutions to how the nation could checkmate the cluster of divisive tendencies and propel the country towards true national integration.

  • FG seeks Private-Public-Partnership in development of Arts

    FG seeks Private-Public-Partnership in development of Arts

    The Federal Government has said that it will explore Private-Public-Partnership in the development of arts, culture and tourism sector to make it economically viable.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in Benin on Friday night at the opening of the annual National Gallery of Art exhibition titled “Art of Benin Kingdom”.

    The exhibition was organised by the National Gallery of Art in commemoration of the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare II.

    Mohammed noted that business of arts, culture and tourism required a lot of money and government could not run it alone without the support and cooperation of the private sector.

    He assured that government would encourage the private sector to invest in the creative industry because there were a lot to reap from such investment.

    The minister said government would provide the enabling environment to make it easy for young artists to have access to fund, improve their capacity and find markets for them.

    “In times of recession like this, most countries diversify not just the tangible industries but also the intangible such as culture and creative industry.

    “Art and Craft have been explored to preserve and promote cultural and
    linguistic identities as well as for social re-engineering, and above all, if properly harnessed, are veritable tools for revenue generation, economic empowerment and job creation.

    “The only commodity in the world which price never goes down is the works of art.

    “A painting today which is worth one million dollar, in few years time can worth more than two million dollar.

    “My ministry will leverage the arts and craft, culture and tourism for economic benefits in tandem with focus of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
    to explore and develop the non-oil sector,” he said.

    The minister commended the initiative of the exhibition which showcased the exquisite Benin art in the national collection alongside art works produced by some Benin artists.

    He said the Edo people were famous for their bronze works, and as a result of the extent and quality of its creativity, Benin was famously referred to as “the ancient city of Bronze, cradle of black civilization”.

    “What we have seen today is centuries of history, culture and tradition which have been translated via various media such as canvass, marble concrete steel foil and media photography,” he said.

    He assured that government would do everything possible to repatriate the stolen works of arts from the country, including the Idia Ivory mask, the official symbol of the second World Black Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).

    The minister underscored the significance of the establishment of World Intellectual Property Organisation’s External Office in the country.

    He said the office was significant to the overall creativity and innovation as well as leveraging on the cultural heritage of “Nigeria as the world’s largest black nation”.

    The Chairman of the event and the Iyasere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, said the Benin people were natural artists and the exhibition was apt in celebrating the rich culture of the kingdom.

    Igbe charged the younger generation to take keen interest in arts to sustain the tradition and culture of the ancient city.

    The Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Abdullahi Muku, said the art works on display were variety of stylistic expressions in various media

    He said the gallery had produced an exhibition brochure which documented the exhibition for posterity and as a reference material.

    The event was attended by Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture, Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, artists and stakeholder from Benin and beyond.

  • FG determined to reposition tourism industry – Minister

    FG determined to reposition tourism industry – Minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the Federal Government is determined to reposition the culture and tourism sector  to enhance economic development.

    Mohammed said this during the official opening of the 29th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Uyo.

    This year’s edition had as theme: “Exploring the Goldmine Inherent in Nigeria’s Creative Industries.’’

    The minister was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary in his ministry, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba.

    Mohammed said that the Federal Government had identified activities in the culture and tourism sector with a view to making them preferred areas for economic diversification.

    He said that those activities would enhance job creation as well as economic empowerment of teeming youths, women and rural populace.

    “Essentially, I desire culture and tourism should be objective-driven with specific goals and demonstrable achievements,” he said.

    The minster noted that NAFEST over the years had been a medium that brought all strata of people in the country together for economic growth and development.

    He said that globally, culture had shared heritage and greatest opportunity for peace, unity and development for humanity.

    Mohammed urged the stakeholders and state contingents to bring out their best with a view to demonstrating the undisputed fact that Nigeria was the culture cynosure of Africa.

    In a speech, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, called on investors in the industries to partner with government to develop the sector.

    Emmanuel explained that with the present economic recession, the country must diversify the economy into creative industries to promote the economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the opening ceremony had contingents from Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Kebbi and Katsina states as well as the FCT.

    Other contingents were from Lagos, Taraba, Ogun, Kano well as Akwa Ibom, the host.

     

  • FG to roll out digital switchover in October – Minister

    FG to roll out digital switchover in October – Minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says that the Federal Government will roll out digital switchover in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in October.

    Mohammed gave the assurance when he featured at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

    The minister said that as part of effort to fast track digital switchover in Abuja, government had procured over 200,000 Set-Top boxes that would be used for the project.

    “ We are still hoping to roll out in Abuja in October.

    “ There are three components to digitisation, there is the signal distributor; there is the content provider and there is also what you called the set-top boxes manufacturer.

    “ It is that set-top box which we easily refer to as decoder that will make you be able to receive digital broadcast in your house.

    “ So unless you have that box you cannot receive digital broadcasting.

    “ There are some televisions in Nigeria today that are already digitalised.

    “But less than four per cents Nigerians own that kind of television.

    “So it means 96 per cent of Nigerians will need that decoder.’’

    Mohammed explained that government would spend huge money in providing the set-top box to make them available to the people.

    He recalled that during the launch of the pilot scheme of the digital switchover in Jos, government gave out free boxes to the people.

    “ Now we need about a half a million boxes for the Abuja roll out and as I speak about 200,000 boxes are in our ports.

    “ But we are trying to sort out with the manufacturers some logistics of how to clear them and we are very confident that by October we are going to roll-out in Abuja,’’

    Mohammed said that the government was realigning the business model of the broadcasting industry from what it inherited to make it efficient and profitable to signal distributors and content providers.

  • FG promises to revive Durbar Festival

    FG promises to revive Durbar Festival

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the Federal Government will collaborate with Bauchi State to resuscitate Durbar Festival and other cultural heritage in the state.

    Mohammed Made this known when Gov. Mohammed Abubakar, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He noted that Durbar was unique not only for its pageantry and colours but for its exclusivity to Nigeria.

    The minister said he was already talking to United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a global recognition of durbar.

    He recalled that he attended a book launch on durbar recently in Paris where the festival was celebrated and rated high.

    The minister noted the Dubar would take a centre stage in the agenda of his ministry to reposition the tourism sector and harness it for economic development.

    Mohammed, who noted that the Yankari Games Reserve had been handed over to the state, commended the efforts of the governor at developing the tourist site and tourism in general.

    He discloses that the ministry would commence its nationwide tour of tourism sites with Bauchi state.

    The minister also said that his ministry would collaborate with the state in restrategising information and communication.

    Earlier, the governor commended the efforts of the minister in the management of the of the Federal Government information apparatus.

    He said the minister “is a trailblaizer” who had demonstrated his skills and ability as the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress.

    The governor solicited the assistance of the minister in rejigging the information machinery of his state.

  • Nigeria, Sudan to deepen relations in culture, creative sectors

    Nigeria, Sudan to deepen relations in culture, creative sectors

    The Federal Government will deepen relations with Sudan in the culture and creative sectors for economic development of the two countries, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said.

    The minister disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja when he received the Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ibrahim-Bushra Ali.

    Mohammed said that Nigeria and Sudan, though not neighbours, were kindred and have cultural affiliation and exchange through education.

    He added that many Sudanese traced their origin to Nigeria and vice versa, while there were many Nigerians that studied and some still studying in Sudan.

    The minister said that the two countries would strengthen ties for economic gains, noting that “it is about time we change our concept on economic relations. It should go beyond the buying of oil, machinery and other physical items.

    “We must look at the creative industry as the area where both countries can improve relations to make up for the deficit in economic relations that we are complaining about.

    “After the global economic meltdown which led to decline in manufacturing and production industries, there has been significant increase in the export of creative goods globally.”

    The minister explained that Nigeria would work out a modality for the development of Sudanese films using the “Kannywood’’ (Hausa movies), which is very popular and acceptable in Sudan.

    Earlier, the Sudanese ambassador had told the minister that the relationship between Nigeria and Sudan was that of “kinship and blood’’ and there were more than five million Sudanese living in Nigeria.

    He said many Sudanese of Nigerian origin occupied sensitive and key positions in Sudan, adding that thousands of Nigerians were also studying in his country.

    Ali stressed the need for both countries to revitalise relations in the economic sector.

  • The world is waiting to hear our stories – Lai Mohammed

    The world is waiting to hear our stories – Lai Mohammed

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the world is eager to hear the nation’s stories through the creative industry and ready to pay a lot of money for it.

    The minister said this in Lagos at the inauguration of “My Africa Reality TV Show,” that seeks to promote the African culture, tradition and values.

    Mohammed said that his assertion was evident by the runway success of the dance drama ‘Wakaa The Musical’ which was performed to global acclaim in London recently.

    He said what was needed was to make creative products of the right quality and accessible to all.

    The minister congratulated the organizers and producers of the new reality TV show, adding that he was confident that it would massively succeed.

    He said the show was coming at a critical point the country was seeking to lay the proper foundation for a very vibrant and productive economy.

    “This show is the type of production that we need at this time, because it promotes other aspects of our economy, it creates jobs and educates our people.

    “By the time we conclude the ongoing digitization of the broadcast industry, we will have opened up several revenue and marketing pipes for monetization of such shows and a window to the world,” he said.

    The minister noted that the free fall of oil prices was a blessing in disguise.

    He said the free fall had pushed the country to harness its natural and creative resources to build a new economy that would not be dependent on just natural resources.

    Mohammed called on Nigerians to chart a path for the development of the nation’s creative industries.

    He said the focus of his ministry was mass creation of jobs and development of skill and managerial abilities of Nigerians.

    Mohammed said the ministry would also focus on formalizing and growing the export of all aspects of the industry to become a significant foreign exchange earner for the country.

    He said it would similarly provide key infrastructure that would encourage local and foreign investments into all the key aspects of the creative Industries.

    “We have identified TV, Music and Film production as a major component.

    “We are working on what exactly should be provided, what type of laws, subsidies, financing, infrastructure etc will be required to achieve the desired goals,” he said.

     

  • FG summons meeting of Presidential Council on Tourism

    FG summons meeting of Presidential Council on Tourism

    The Federal Government (FG) has summoned a meeting of the steering committee of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT).

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    The minister said the meeting, scheduled for Sept. 6, would facilitate the resuscitation of PCT to be chaired by Presidential Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the council, the highest policy and decision-making and implementation body on tourism development, was key to repositioning the sector.

    Mohammed noted that because of the multifaceted nature of tourism, its development cannot be on the shoulder of a ministry, but through shared responsibilities among organs of government and the private sector.

    He recalled that the ministry had written to the President for the urgent need to resuscitate the council to reposition the tourism sector and make it a mainstay of revenue and employment generation.

    The minister restated the importance of perception to the development of tourism and called on the critical stakeholders to work together to build good image for the country.

    He specifically called on the media to stop projecting the nation in bad light but to build the perception of safety for the country.

    He assured that government will continue to engage FTAN and other critical stakeholders in its efforts to transform tourism to another veritable source of revenue.

    President of FTAN, Chief Tomi Akingbogun, commended the minister for his efforts, drive and commitment to the development of the sector.

    He urged the government to address the challenge of multiplicity of taxes in the sector and the lack of national career to boost tourism.