Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former presidential candidate, has said that Nigeria needs to strengthen its institutions, boost productivity, and rebuild public trust in order to grow.
Hayatu-Deen spoke at the Independent newspaper’s Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony in Lagos. He said that the newspaper had not only recorded Nigeria’s history but also shaped it through responsible journalism.
He said that the media must keep informing, questioning, and holding power accountable, even though the digital world is always changing.
“A free and independent press is like an early warning system for society. He said, “It shines light when there is darkness and speaks truth when power would rather not.”
Hayatu-Deen also praised the award winners at the event, calling them “game changers” who have made important contributions to business, public service, and social development.
“Someone who changes the course of their field is not just a game changer.” “To let others through, they break down walls,” he said.
Hayatu-Deen talked about three important pillars that Nigeria needs to move forward as a country, linking the celebration to the country’s overall development: Strong institutions instead of strong people, moving from consumption to production, and building trust as a basis for governance
He said that institutions need to be made stronger so that they can keep going and be stable even when leadership changes.
He says that Nigeria’s long-term success depends on an economy that is productive and driven by innovation and the development of human capital, not on too much consumption.
He also said that trust, which is built on fairness and accountability, is still very important for good government and economic growth.
Hayatu-Deen told media companies to be independent and honest, saying that public trust is their most important asset.
He stressed that journalism is still very important for keeping democracy alive and making sure that government is open and honest.
He said that Nigeria’s biggest problem isn’t a lack of potential, but rather the need to get its people and institutions to work together toward a common national goal.
He said that the country could reach its full potential and make lasting progress by strengthening institutions, increasing productivity, and maintaining trust.
