List Of All Ministers of Information and National Orientation (2007-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Nigeria was first established in 1999 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time in office. However, on January 11, 2007, it was dissolved as part of a major government reorganization.
This change led to the creation of two new ministries: the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications and the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and National Orientation.
In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari decided to bring the two separate ministries back together, re-establishing the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
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All Ministers of Information and National Orientation (2007-Present)
Name | Term Start | Term End | Political Party |
---|---|---|---|
Frank Nweke | 2005 | 2007 | All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) |
John Odey | 2007 | 2008 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Dora Akunyili | 2008 | 2010 | PDP |
Labaran Maku | 2010 | 2015 | People's Democratic Party (PDP) |
Patricia Akwashiki | 2015 | 2015 | PDP |
Lai Mohammed | 2015 | 2023 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
Mohammed Idris Malagi | 2023 | Present | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
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Who Was The First Minister OF Information And National Orientation?
Dapo Sarumi was the first Minister of Information and National Orientation in Nigeria, who served from June 1999 to January 2001. Born in Epe, Lagos State, Sarumi grew up in a family that valued education and public service.
Sarumi’s journey into politics started in the early 1990s when he joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He ran for the governorship of Lagos State in 1991 but was disqualified from the primaries.
Despite this setback, Sarumi remained active in politics. In 1999, following Nigeria’s return to civilian rule under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was appointed as the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
His main focus as minister was to promote national unity and improve how the government communicated with the public. Sarumi was also involved in different public service and community projects, having worked to increase public awareness about government policies and programs.
Sarumi’s time as the first Minister of Information and National Orientation was seen by his efforts to modernize the ministry’s approach to communication.
He supported the use of media to share government plans and engage with people. In late 2000, he was involved in a tragic traffic accident that resulted in the deaths of two of his aides.
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Who Is The Current Minister OF Information and National Orientation?
The current Minister of Information and National Orientation in Nigeria is Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, and he has been In the office since August 21, 2023. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him, and the Senate confirmed his appointment.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi comes from Niger State. He has a Master’s Degree in English from Bayero University in Kano State. With over thirty years of experience in broadcasting, press, public relations, and advertising, Malagi brings expertise to his position.
Throughout his career, Malagi has made a mark in different fields. He founded Blueprint, a national newspaper, and established WE FM radio station and Rapid Television in Abuja.
His involvement in organizations like the National Institute of Public Relations, the African Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria shows his influence in the industry.
Malagi is also the owner of Bifocal Communications, a top public relations and communications consultancy. His company works with both local and international businesses.
In addition to his professional work, Malagi is known for his philanthropy. He founded the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which supports different charitable activities and helps many people.
Malagi once ran for Governor of Niger State with the All Progressives Congress, which gave him valuable political experience. He was later appointed as Director of Strategic Communications for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council. Malagi was honored with the title of Kaakaki Nupe by the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.