Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Thursday refuted claims that he stole the idea for the national re-orientation campaign, Change Begins With Me, from private businessman, Akin Fadeyi.
Mohammed spoke during a session with Corporate Nigeria at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
Fadeyi had accused the minister of doctoring the proposal for a one-minute drama skit titled Not in My Country which he submitted to the latter for partnership in 2015.
Adebayo Adenipekun, a senior lawyer from Afe Babalola & Co had written President Muhammadu Buhari on Fadeyi’s behalf to request a thorough investigation into the origin of the campaign.
Speaking to an audience from the private sector in Lagos, Mohammed, who had earlier threatened to sue Fadeyi, said the idea behind the Change Begins With Me campaign was designed and completed two months before he met his accuser.
“I was nominated in October and the moment I was nominated, I called my team and I told them that the most important thing was to change the attitude of Nigerians. I am happy that the agencies that worked on the idea are here today,” Mohammed explained.
“We started working on the initiative immediately and on 14 October, 2015 when I was confirmed as a minister, I had completed work on the initiative. I made available to the media, incontrovertible evidence that by October 14th, 2015, I had completed work on the initiative.
“On 31 October, 2015, I had completed the radio jingles and television commercials.
“After we had completed work on the programme, Mr. Akin Fadeyi came to me on December 30th, 2015.
“So, how can one accuse me of stealing an idea which was completed by October last year? The person who claimed that I stole his idea came to me in December.
“Mr. Akin Fadeyi, Afe Babalola and I will meet in court.”
Quoting from the President’s speech at the public launch of the campaign on September 8, Mohammed said: ”Indeed when the campaign succeeds, it will impact heavily on the private sector. A punctual, diligent and hardworking staff can only be to the benefit of not just himself or herself or the organization they work, for to the various governments whether at local, state or Federal level.”
He outlined the different options available to the private sector to key into the campaign, including Platinum, Gold, Diamond and Channel partnerships.
