Power of PR: Lai Mohammed Shares his Journey From Opposition to Government Spokesperson
In a riveting speech at a seminarspeech at a seminar organized by the Mass Communication Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, former Information Minister Lai Mohammed took the audience on a journey through his diverse experiences as a public relations professional and a prominent opposition spokesperson.
Mohammed began by making a candid confession – he did not study journalism or mass communication, nor did he ever work in the media. His first degree was in French from the University of Ife, and he later obtained a law degree from the University of Lagos. Yet, for over 30 years, he found himself in the role of a spokesperson, whether as the Public Relations Manager for the Nigerian Airports Authority, the National Publicity Secretary of various political parties, or as the Minister of Information and Culture.
Highlighting the essential qualities needed to be a successful spokesperson, Mohammed emphasized the importance of a sound education, a brilliant mind, confidence, self-esteem, aptitude, loyalty, courage, integrity, commitment, focus, and fearlessness. He recounted how, as a young graduate assistant at the University of Ilorin, he confronted the Public Relations Manager of the Nigerian Airports Authority, and was subsequently offered a job in the organization.
Mohammed’s journey as an opposition spokesperson during the turbulent political period from 2003 to 2015 was particularly captivating. As the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigeria, and the All Progressives Congress, he became the embodiment of the aspirations and ethos of the opposition, speaking authoritatively for the party without fear of contradiction.
“I took my position as the raison d’etre of my life, at times coming before my wife and my children,” Mohammed said, recounting the sacrifices he had to make, including postponing a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to attend to pressing political matters.
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As the opposition spokesperson, Mohammed’s approach was to constantly mark the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the federal government, criticizing every action and statement, interrogating policy inconsistencies, and issuing daily press releases. This earned him praise from political leaders like President Muhammadu Buhari, who described him as the “loudest and consistent voice in the defence of democracy, liberty and social justice in our country under this Fourth Republic.”
However, Mohammed’s transition from an opposition spokesperson to the Federal Minister of Information and Culture brought with it a new set of challenges and responsibilities. Bound by the oaths of allegiance and office, his loyalty and focus shifted from just his political party to the entire country and government.
Mohammed outlined several initiatives he implemented as the Minister, including the “Change Begins with Me” campaign, the town hall meeting series, the “Testimony Series” showcasing the beneficiaries of government programs, and the “PMB Scorecard Series” highlighting the achievements of the Buhari administration.
While some may have perceived him as less effective as a government spokesperson compared to his time as an opposition voice, Mohammed argued that the role and strategies required were fundamentally different. As the opposition, the sole objective was to advance the cause of the party, but as a minister, he had to balance national interests, security considerations, and the well-being of the country.
Mohammed’s captivating speech provided a unique glimpse into the world of a spokesperson, the evolving dynamics between opposition and government, and the critical role of effective communication in shaping the political landscape.
The speech: Redefining Roles of Spokesperson: My Romance with PR Practice – Lai Mohammed
Redefining Roles of Spokesperson: My Romance with PR Practice – Lai Mohammed
By PRNigeria
