Hayatudeen Calls for Institutional Strength as Foundation for Nigeria's Future
Prominent technocrat Mohammed Hayatudeen has issued a compelling call for Nigeria to prioritize building robust institutions over relying on individual personalities, declaring this shift essential for the nation's sustainable development and renewal. Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of Independent Newspapers in Lagos, Hayatudeen emphasized that the country's progress remains vulnerable without systems capable of enduring beyond political administrations.
Three Pillars for National Renewal Outlined
Hayatudeen, who recently transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress, articulated three fundamental pillars necessary for Nigeria's advancement:
- The supremacy of strong institutions over strong men in governance and national development
- The prioritization of production over consumption to build a sustainable economic foundation
- The rebuilding of trust as the essential bedrock for effective governance and societal progress
"Nigeria needs strong institutions, not strong men," Hayatudeen declared to an audience comprising business leaders, policymakers, and media professionals who responded with enthusiastic applause. He argued that the country's economic framework must emphasize innovation and human capital development to achieve lasting growth, while governance systems must be anchored in accountability and fairness to restore public confidence.
Independent Newspapers Celebrated for Resilience and Professionalism
Marking the newspaper's silver jubilee, Hayatudeen praised Independent Newspapers for surviving and thriving in Nigeria's challenging media environment, describing their journey as more than mere commercial success. "Their journey reflects resilience and professionalism at a time when the media landscape is rapidly evolving," he noted, highlighting how the organization has helped shape national discourse over the past quarter-century by holding power accountable and documenting crucial moments in Nigeria's history.
The anniversary event, held on Saturday, April 18 in Lagos, brought together industry figures celebrating what many described as a rare legacy of consistency in Nigerian journalism. Hayatudeen presented awards to selected individuals he described as "game changers" whose work has transcended personal achievement to influence broader societal transformation. "They break barriers so that others may walk through," he remarked, noting that their accomplishments demonstrate a powerful combination of vision, courage, and commitment.
Media's Critical Role in Rebuilding Societal Trust
Hayatudeen emphasized the media's central position in restoring public trust, characterizing journalism as "the lifeblood of democracy." He urged news organizations to maintain independence and integrity, warning that credibility represents their most valuable asset. "A free press serves as society's early warning system," he asserted. "It shines light in darkness and asks questions where silence would be easier."
National Alignment and Human Capital Development
The technocrat expressed optimism about Nigeria's potential, arguing that the country's primary challenge is not a lack of resources but rather the failure to align institutions and capabilities toward shared national objectives. "By strengthening institutions, deepening productivity, and sustaining trust, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and make excellence the norm rather than the exception," Hayatudeen concluded.
In related developments, the special assistant to the president on capacity development, Mr. Sadiq Rabiu, has reinforced the importance of human capital development for Nigeria's future. Following a high-level meeting with Ms. Michelle Gylle-McDonough, Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Rabiu emphasized that advancing Nigeria's collaboration with international training organizations remains vital for national development.
