Hayatu-Deen Says Nigeria Needs Strong Institutions, High Production, Trust To Be Great

A technocrat and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has said Nigeria must build strong institutions, prioritise production, and foster trust to achieve lasting greatness.

Hayatu-Deen made the remarks in Lagos at the 25th anniversary of Independent Newspapers, where he was Guest of Honour, describing the media organisation’s milestone as “a remarkable testament to resilience, professionalism and democratic commitment.”

According to him, the newspaper’s survival over 25 years represents more than commercial success. “It is a triumph that is far more than a business success,” he said, noting that the publication has helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by “upholding the enduring responsibility of the press to inform, question and hold power accountable without fear or favour.”

Highlighting the significance of the awardees honoured at the event, Hayatu-Deen described them as “game changers” whose impact transcends personal achievements.

“A game changer is not merely someone who alters the trajectory of their fields. They break barriers so that others may walk through,” he said, adding that the honourees embody “a rare fusion of vision and courage.”

Linking the celebration to Nigeria’s broader development, the former presidential aspirant outlined what he called three critical pillars for national progress.

He said, “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” are essential for the country’s advancement.

Hayatu-Deen stressed that durable institutions are necessary to sustain progress beyond individual leaders, while a productive economy driven by innovation and human capital remains key to prosperity. He added that trust, built through accountability and fairness, is indispensable for governance and national cohesion.

He also underscored the role of the media in strengthening democracy, describing journalism as central to accountability and public confidence.

“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 said.

Urging journalists to maintain high standards, he noted that public trust remains the media’s most valuable asset.

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

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

End.