Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to actively support President Bola Tinubu in addressing the country’s security challenges, insisting that no government can win the fight alone.
Mohammed made the appeal on Friday after delivering the 15th convocation lecture at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, where he urged citizens to see security as a shared responsibility that begins at the grassroots, according to NAN reports.
“Many people who are not in the kitchen don’t know the fire coming out of it. There is no President that wants his own country insecured,” he said. “The government is doing a lot and we must all encourage the government.”
According to him, meaningful change requires collective effort, noting that security issues are often local and demand community involvement.
“The change we want must begin with all of us. Security is a local issue and all have a role to play. Actionable intelligence is part of it and government is doing its best in fighting it,” Mohammed stated.
The former minister also reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his full backing of the Tinubu administration.
“I am a very loyal member of APC and I am 100 per cent behind this administration. But I have played my role in the frontline,” he said.
“Whatever I need to do now, I will pass through the back channel but I’m 100 per cent behind the administration.”
Reflecting on his years in public service, Mohammed said his current focus is on giving back to society, having been “privileged to serve as the longest Minister of Information.”
Addressing the graduating students, he challenged them to look beyond certificates and embrace innovation.
“Don’t just graduate; innovate,” he advised, stressing that a university degree alone does not guarantee success.
“The world is not a straight road to one’s dream. It’s unpredictable, messy, and full of unexpected opportunities.”
He urged the graduands to be courageous, humble and open to growth, even when it comes with discomfort.
“Be bold enough to speak your mind even when it feels uncomfortable. Courage creates opportunities,” Mohammed said.
“When opportunities knock twice, swallow your pride and say yes. Graduands, do not let ego close doors.”
Encouraging resilience, he reminded them that failure is often a stepping stone rather than a setback.
“I urge the graduating class not to be afraid to fail. Failures are not dead ends. They are turning points. I failed and failed, and each time, the failures became turning points for me,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, said the convocation lecture was designed to address pressing national and societal issues that students and dignitaries could internalise and apply.
He described the lecture as timely and informative, considering the realities facing today’s graduates.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, said Achievers University places premium value on discipline and standards.
“Our graduates can work with any international organisations. We are about standards,” he said, adding that the institution has dismissed students for misconduct and refunded their fees to uphold its values.
Ayorinde noted that the university also rewards good behaviour, with monetary awards of up to ₦5 million for outstanding faculties, a system he said has helped shape the institution despite its population of about 5,000 students.
