Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, expressed his concerns over the harmful effects of fake news, revealing that a false report claiming he received $1.9 billion nearly ruined his 40-year marriage. Mohammed emphasized the urgent need for collective action against fake news, highlighting the severe consequences it can have on individuals’ lives.
Mohammed made these remarks during an event titled “A Day with Alhaji Lai Mohammed,” organized by the Mass Communication Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ogun State. His address focused on “Redefining the Role of Spokesman: My Enduring Engagement/Romance with the Practice of Public Relations.”
The former minister recounted how the fake news affected his personal life, stating, “While we were in government, there was fake news that I had $1.9 billion in my bank account. Unfortunately, many people believed this falsehood, including my wife.”
He narrated a particularly troubling incident: “One day, my wife woke me up in the middle of the night and spoke in Yoruba. She called me ‘Daddy’ and asked to become a signatory to my bank account, fearing for our future after the fake report. Even my friends started begging for money after seeing the false report.”
Mohammed explained that he had to reassure his wife that the report was entirely false, emphasizing that the annual allocation for his ministry was only N5 billion, totaling N40 billion over his tenure.
Highlighting the broader implications of fake news, Mohammed said, “This menace has destroyed many marriages and even led to suicides. You won’t know the weight of it until it is about you.”
Regarding the current economic crisis, Mohammed defended President Bola Tinubu’s government, stating that the administration is committed to improving the nation’s situation and that Nigerians will soon see positive changes.
Dr. Lanre Akinola, Head of the Mass Communication Department, underscored the importance of the event, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage with the former minister and gain insights from his experiences.
He concluded, “The students have interacted with him, drawn inspiration from his lecture, and learned lessons that can help them succeed in life. It has been a rewarding experience.”
