Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has opened up about the damaging effects of a false report claiming he had $1.9 billion in his bank account, which almost destroyed his 40-year-old marriage.
Speaking on Thursday at an event titled "A Day with Alhaji Lai Mohammed," organized by the Mass Communication Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, Mohammed stressed the critical need to combat fake news. He emphasized that the true impact of fake news becomes apparent only when one falls victim to it.
Mohammed recounted how the fake news had led his wife to wake him up at midnight, requesting to be added as a signatory to his bank account, fearing unforeseen circumstances.
"The menace of fake news is a serious issue that must be tackled by all of us. This false report nearly cost me my marriage of about 40 years," he said. "While we were in government, there was fake news that I had $1.9 billion in my bank account, and unfortunately, many people believed this falsehood, including my wife."
He continued, "One day, my wife woke me up in the middle of the night and spoke in Yoruba. She called me, 'Daddy,' and I said, 'Yes, what is it?' She said, 'We all know that death can come at any time. We may say it wouldn’t be this early, but it may be. Whatever happens, it would be good if you make me one of the signatories to your bank account to prepare for any eventuality.'"
Mohammed also shared that friends and others began asking him for money, believing the fake report.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to unite in the fight against fake news, highlighting the severe consequences it can have on personal lives and relationships
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