Strong institutions, not strong men, key to Nigeria’s future — Hayatu-Deen

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — A seasoned administrator, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, says Nigeria’s future hinges on building strong institutions, boosting production and restoring trust in governance.

He spoke over the weekend at the 25th anniversary of Independent Newspapers, where he set out what Nigeria must urgently get right: strong institutions, a productive economy and trust as the glue that holds everything together.

The position was contained in a statement by his media office, quoting Hayatu-Deen, a former presidential aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party.

“Three critical pillars necessary for national greatness are 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.

“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.

Hayatu-Deen described the newspaper’s 25-year journey as a powerful story of resilience, professionalism and commitment to democracy, noting that its survival is more than just a business achievement.

He said the publication has not only documented Nigeria’s history but has helped shape it by informing citizens, questioning authority and holding power accountable, even as the media landscape becomes more complex in the digital age.

Turning to the award recipients, he said their contributions have raised the bar across business, public service and social impact, describing them as true game changers.

“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.

He urged the media to guard its independence and integrity, stressing that public trust remains its most valuable currency in sustaining democracy and accountability.

Hayatu-Deen said Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of potential, but the failure to align its human and institutional strengths towards a shared national purpose.

“With the right focus, the country can unlock its full potential and make excellence the norm rather than the exception,” he added.

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