Hayatu-Deen identifies 3 pillars crucial to national development

• Celebrates Independent Newspapers at 25

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

A seasoned technocrat, administrator and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC,

Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has said that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of potential but the need to consistently align its human and institutional resources toward a shared national purpose.

Hayatu-Deen said this at the weekend while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the Independent Newspapers’ 25th anniversary celebration in Lagos, stressing that it’s ( the newspaper’s) survival and growth over the past quarter century represents a triumph that is far more than a business success.

The renowned economist, who identified three critical pillars necessary for national greatness, listed them as; the supremacy of strong institutions over strong men, the prioritisation of production over consumption and the building of trust as the foundation of governance and societal progress.

He emphatically declared that strong institutions are essential for sustaining progress beyond personalities, while a productive economy driven by innovation and human capital development remains key to long-term prosperity. Equally, he noted that trust, earned through consistency, accountability and fairness, is indispensable for functional governance, thriving markets and national cohesion.

Hayatu-Deen further underscored the central role of the media in building and sustaining this trust, describing journalism as the lifeblood of democracy and an indispensable mechanism for accountability.

He congratulated Independent Newspapers on its 25th anniversary, describing the milestone as a remarkable testament to resilience, professionalism and democratic commitment in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.

A statement released by his media office quoted Hayatudeen, who was Guest of Honour at the Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, as saying the newspaper’s survival and growth over the past quarter century represents a triumph that is far more than a business success.

Hayatu-Deen, who was one of the 2023 presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, observed that the newspaper has not only chronicled Nigeria’s history but has actively contributed to shaping it by upholding the enduring responsibility of the press to inform, question and hold power accountable without fear or favour, even in an increasingly complex digital media environment.

The astute administrator, who made a presentation to the awardees at the event, said their contributions have redefined standards across business, public service and social impact.

He emphasised that the honourees, who were called “game changers”, were not merely successful individuals but catalysts who have altered the trajectory of their respective fields through vision, courage and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

According to him, ”A game changer is not merely someone who alters the trajectory of their fields. They break barriers so that others may walk through”.
The awardees, he said, had been appropriately named because they represent a rare fusion of vision and courage.

Linking the celebration to Nigeria’s broader development aspirations, Hayatu-Deen said a free and independent press is indispensable in a democracy.

His words ”A free and Independent press serves as society’s early warning system. it shines light when there is darkness, asks questions where silence would be easier and speaks truth where power may prefer convenience.”

He concluded by affirming that “Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of potential but the need to consistently align its human and institutional resources toward a shared national purpose.

“By strengthening institutions, deepening productivity and sustaining trust, he said, the country can unlock its full potential and make excellence the norm rather than the exception”, he stated.