I Will Support Revival of National Theatre - Gov. Ambode

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has made a firm commitment to partner with the Federal Government for the renovation of the National Theatre, saying it is necessary to join hands to uplift national monuments.

The Governor made the commitment when he paid a join inspection visit to the National Theatre with the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos on Sunday.

''I am going to support the whole concept of bringing this National Theatre back to life. This is not an investment for Lagos state, but a support for the rebirth of national heritage," he said after the inspection.

US$151m, N8b Looted Funds Recovered As FG's Whistle-Blower Policy Yields Fruit

The Federal Government's Whistle-blower policy has started yielding fruit as it has so far led to the recovery of US$151 million and 8 billion Naira in looted funds, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, the Minister said the looted funds, which do not include the $9.2 million in cash allegedly owned by a former Group Managing Director of the NNPC (which was also a dividend of the whistle-blower policy), were recovered from just three sources through whistle-blowers who gave actionable information to the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation.

Information Minister Kick-starts Tour of Tourist Sites With Visit To Owu Fall

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, kicked-started a tour of tourist sites in the country with a visit to the spectacular Owu Waterfall in Kwara State on Sunday.

The Minister, who was accompanied by representatives of the local community in which the Waterfall is located, officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as the media, described Owu Waterfall as one of the wonders of nature, saying the government is now looking toward natural assets like the waterfall with a view to developing them for economic benefits.

LAI NEVER LIED: Report attributed to Minister on President's return is fake

Our attention has been drawn to a report quoting the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as saying the President's return to Nigeria may be hampered by a faulty aircraft.

The Minister has not spoken to anyone on the issue of the President's return, hence this report is another from the stable of the purveyors of fake news and should be disregarded.

Buhari's Health: FG Urges Nigerians To Disregard Subversive Messages

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to disregard the subversive messages being circulated via text messaging and the Social Media, saying the fabricated messages are being orchestrated by those who feel threatened by the emerging order.


In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said there is no iota of truth in the messages being circulated on the health of the President, who is hale and hearty, and the purported emergency meetings of the State Governors in Abuja or anywhere.

Executive/Judiciary Collaboration To Quicken Dispensation of Justice - Information Minister

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the revitalized collaboration between the Executive and the Judiciary under the present administration will quicken the dispensation of justice in the country and ensure there is no hiding place for corrupt persons.

The Minister said this on Saturday night in Abuja at a ceremony to mark the 80th birthday of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.

"I want to say that this is a new dawn of collaboration between the Executive and Judicial Arms of Government. On our own part as government, we will ensure that we give the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court the full complement of judges," he said.

FG DELEGATION ON CONDOLENCE VISIT TO BORNO OVER ACCIDENTAL BOMBING AT RANN BY NAF FIGHTER JET

A high-level federal government delegation has arrived in Maiduguri in connection with Tuesday's deadly accidental bombing of an IDP camp in Rann by a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet.

FG delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Aba Kyari visited Maiduguri to commiserate with the Governor of Borno State over the unfortunate accidental killing of some innocent civilians at Rann in Kala Balge, Borno State.

The delegation include, Minister of Defence, Brig Gen Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd); Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar.

FG To Make Key Festivals Attractive To Domestic, Foreign Tourists - Lai

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the Federal Government is working with the private sector to make major festivals in the country attractive to domestic and foreign tourists and to leapfrog the events to the top cadre of global festivals.

He made the disclosure in Offa, Kwara State, on Thursday at the 2016 edition of the ''Íjakadi Festival'', a traditional wrestling event that dates back to the 14th century.

The Minister, who was represented by Mr. Raphael Arulogun, General Manager of NTA Ilorin, said the starting point is to train the managers of the festivals, which include the Ijakadi Festival

FG Rallies Support For Victorious Troops As Key Roads Open in Borno

The Federal Government has congratulated the gallant troops of the Nigerian military for finally seizing the Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram terrorists and securing the North-east, paving the way for Sunday's re-opening of two strategic roads in Borno State.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the troops as they clear the remnants of the terrorists who are now on the run.

He also called for increased vigilance among Nigerians, as Boko Haram escapees seek to integrate themselves into communities far and near, saying eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

''We urge Nigerians to keep our gallant and victorious troops in their prayers, and to also imbibe the mantra of 'if you see something, say something' as a way of ensuring that no escaped terrorist is able to wreak havoc in their communities. It is also important to know that now that they have been dispossessed of their fortress, the Boko Haram escapees will intensify their cowardly attacks on vulnerable targets if only to maintain an illusion of terror. But there should be no panic because the worst is over,'' Alhaji Mohammed said.

While commending the military for the re-opening of the Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak road and the Maiduguri Mungono-Baga road, which link Nigeria with neighbouring countries, he hailed Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima for his unwavering support for the military and his administration's determination to quickly restore normalcy across the state.

FG TO REOPEN TWO MAJOR ROADS IN BORNO, TODAY

The Federal Government will today formally re-open two major roads in Borno State. They are the Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak road and the Maiduguri-Mungono-Baga road.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Defence, Brig.-General Mansir Dan-Ali (Rtd), Service Chiefs, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and others will grace the occasion.

After the reopening, the Government Officials and Military Chiefs will have lunch with the gallant troops who crushed the insurgency.

‘’The Best of Television For All Nigerians’’ - Lai

Being the Text of The Speech By The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at The Abuja Launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Broadcasting on Thursday, 22 Dec. 2016

Lai Mohammed

PROTOCOL

I welcome you all to this Abuja launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) of our Television in Nigeria. This is following up on the successful launch of the DSO in Jos earlier this year. We are now going into full gear to launch across the rest of the country and to commence switch off.

2. I have continued to reiterate, and the high quality of the service that Pinnacle, our signal distributor, has put up here goes to confirm, that our objective is not just to move customers and Nigerians from analogue to digital in a simple technical sense, but to ensure a total overhaul of the whole TV watching experience and the economy around it. 

All Set for Digital Switch Over in Abuja - Lai

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said all is now set for the launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in broadcasting in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister announced this in Abuja on Monday during the tour of key facilities of Pinnacle Communication Limited, the signal distribution for the Abuja DSO.


"We are impressed by the speed, commitment and passion of Pinnacle to this project and we have come here to ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure smooth Digital Switch Over in Abuja on Thursday," he said.

REVEALED!!! - HOW BUKOLA SARAKI WICKEDLY AND INHUMANELY BLOCKED THE FORTUNE OF RT. HON. EZEKIEL YISSA BENJAMIN

THE KWARA FORTUNE BLOCKER STRIKES AGAIN!!! REVEALED....... HOW BUKOLA SARAKI WICKEDLY AND INHUMANELY BLOCKED THE FORTUNE OF RT. HON. EZEKIEL YISSA BENJAMIN FROM BECOMING NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF NIGERIAN COMMUNICATION COMMISSION. 

Hello our esteemed new media citizens! We use this most auspicious moment to salute you today. You will realise that of late, Kwara Hero has being releasing articles regularly. Yes, that's right we have being working seriously! Infact, all the personnel of Kwara Hero has been stretched to their elastic limit. We will never be deterred neither will we be broken for God Almighty is the one who sent us on this mission and He continually supports, refreshes and strengthen us. Therefore, all you Treasury Looters, State Destroyers, Nation Killers, Fortune Blockers and Youth Haters, let us inform you to your utmost dismay that we will continue to come for your head at all times. Let us immediately go into the topic of today. On a daily basis, when we rise up to begin the day's activities, we start with prayer; OH GOD, deliver us from fortune blockers! 

THE DILEMMA IN KWARA STATE PRESENTLY IS THAT OUR OWN VERY POLITICAL LEADER, DR. ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, HAS CONSTITUTED HIMSELF INTO A FORTUNE BLOCKER! BUKOLA SARAKI HAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO A PRINCIPALITY AND POWER! HE HAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO A GOD, HAVING THE POWER TO SELECT AND ENTHRONE ANYONE HE CHOOSES! Sometimes ago, we reported to you our esteemed people, how Senator Bukola Saraki via a delegate of his trusted lieutenants and partners in crime, the likes of Ungodly Speaker Ali Ahmad, Drunkard Ishola Balogun Fulani, Lame brain Abubakar Amuda Kannike, Irresponsible Zakari Mohammed and Destroyer Razak Atunwa, all went on an inglorious mission to see to it that Mallam Isi'aq Lanre Modibbo Kawu, Current Director General of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission's appointment was turn down for that portfolio. These evil men didn't act alone! 

Nigerians protest food shortage at town hall meeting

 

ABUJA— The atmosphere was charged, yesterday, as participants at the special Town Hall meeting organized by Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with the Alumni Association of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, AANI, in Abuja, confronted nine ministers, demanding for quick remedy to the current economic hardship in the country.
Some of the aggrieved participants told the ministers that Nigerians were tired of the talkshops and that government should do more to put food on their tables. Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said 2017 Budget would be submitted to the National Assembly by October this year. 

THE CHANGE WE PROMISED IS HERE! - LAI MOHAMMED

Being The text Of The Speech By The Hon Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, At The South-East Edition Of The Federal Government's Town Hall Meeting in Enugu on Monday, Aug. 1st 2016

PROTOCOL

Good morning ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the South-East Edition of our Town Hall Meeting. Permit me first to thank the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, most sincerely for his immense contribution to the hosting of this event. By his efforts, His Excellency has shown that the development of our country transcends party affiliation and other divisive considerations.

2 May I also express my gratitude to my colleagues Honorable Ministers for accepting to be part of this meeting, despite their busy schedule. Honourable Ministers, your presence here is a testimony to the importance you attach to keeping Nigerians adequately informed of the activities of government.

PRESS RELEASE: Minister wants Chinese TV, Cinemas to show Nigerian films

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged the Chinese authorities to facilitate the showing of Nigerian films on television and in cinemas across the Asian country as part of efforts to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

The Minister made the call in Beijing on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Vice Minister of State for Radio, Television and Film, Mr. Wu Shangzhi, in his office.

He also called for the immediate implementation of the co-production agreement signed between Nigeria and China, and the sharing of experience in combatting piracy of movies.

PRESS RELEASE: Nigerian media, most vibrant in Africa – Minister

Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the Nigerian media as one of the most vibrant in Africa and indeed across the world, while assuring that the government will not do anything to stifle press freedom.

Speaking at the 3rd Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, the Minister said the Nigerian media did not achieve its vibrancy by accident, saying apart from the fact that it derives its powers to function directly from the nation’s Constitution, the Nigerian media has come a long way.

FG RELEASES INTERIM REPORT ON FINANCIAL, ASSETS RECOVERIES

The Federal Government made cash recoveries totaling N78,325,354,631.82 (Seventy eight billion, three hundred and twenty-five million, three hundred and fifty-four thousand, six hundred and thirty one Naira and eighty two kobo); $185,119,584.61 (One hundred and eight five million, one hundred and nineteen thousand, five hundred and eighty four U...S dollars, sixty one cents); 3,508,355.46 Pounds Sterling (Three million, five hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-five Pounds and 46 Pence) and 11, 250 Euros (Eleven thousand, two hundred and fifty Euros) from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016.

In a statement in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also disclosed that Recoveries Under Interim Forfeiture (cash and assets) during the period totaled N126,563,481,095.43 (One hundred and twenty six billion, five hundred and sixty three million, four hundred and eighty one thousand, and ninety five Naira, forty three Kobo; $9,090,243,920.15 (Nine billion, ninety million, two hundred and forty three thousand, nine hundred and twenty Dollars, fifteen cents; 2,484,447.55 Pounds Sterling (Two million, four hundred and eighty four thousand, four hundred and forty seven Pounds, fifty five Pence) and 303,399.17 Euros (Three hundred and three thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine Euros, 17 cents ).

Buhari passes list of looters to Lai Mohammed

President Muhammadu Buhari in his commemorative first anniversary broadcast did not reveal the list of Nigeria’s treasury looters as promised weeks before.

Instead, he spoke about ‘significant amount of assets being recovered”, and also hinted about the difficulties being encountered in recovering loot from the looters.

“The processes of recovery can be tedious and time consuming”, he said of the efforts by government agencies.

Nigeria Is Broke, Hence Fuel Price Hike - Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the Federal Government has to take painful decisions and make tough adjustments because Nigeria is broke.

He said this while briefing journalists after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting that the decision to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit from N86 to N145 per litre was one of those decisions.

Lai Mohammed likened Nigeria’s situation to a case of a person, who got a pay cut and had to adjust to the current reality in terms of his spending. “The current problem is not really about subsidy removal. It is about (the fact) that Nigeria is broke. Pure and simple!