Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a former presidential candidate, says that Nigeria’s development needs stronger institutions, more productivity, and rebuilding public trust.
Hayatu-Deen spoke at the Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony for the Independent newspaper in Lagos. He said that the newspaper had not only written about Nigeria’s past, but also changed it through responsible journalism.
He said that the media must keep informing, questioning, and holding those in power accountable, even though the digital landscape is always changing.
“A free and independent press is like an early warning system for society. “It shines light when there is darkness and speaks truth when power may want to be easy,” he said.
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. He went on, “They break down barriers so that others can walk through.”
Hayatu-Deen talked about three important pillars that are needed for Nigeria to move forward as a nation: Strong institutions are better than strong people. We need to move from consumption to production. Trust is the basis for good governance.
He said that institutions need to be made stronger so that they can keep going and be stable even when individual leaders leave.
He says that Nigeria’s long-term success depends on an economy that is productive and based on innovation and developing human capital instead of relying too much on consumption.
He also said that trust, which comes from being fair and accountable, is still very important for good government and economic growth.
Hayatu-Deen told media companies to stay 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 the need to get its people and institutions working 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 keeping people’s trust.
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