By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Renowned economist and banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has presented a compelling roadmap for Nigeria to achieve sustainable greatness and long-term prosperity.
The seasoned technocrat and former Group Managing Director of the New Nigeria Development Company (NDDC) spoke at the Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony of the Independent Newspaper in Lagos on Saturday.
A statement on the presentation of Hayatu-Deen, a guest of honour at the event, was made available to newsmen on Sunday by his media office.
He outlined three critical pillars necessary for national greatness: 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.
The economist argued that strong institutions, must take precedence over powerful individuals to ensure continuity, stability, and resilience in governance beyond changing political leadership.
According to him, a nation’s progress depends heavily on a shift from consumption-driven habits to a production-focused economy powered by innovation and skilled human capital.
He emphasised that economic strength is built through value creation, industrial growth, and strategic investment in people, rather than reliance on imports or short-term gains.
Hayatu-Deen also underscored trust as a vital ingredient, saying it must be consistently earned through transparency, accountability, and fairness in leadership and public institutions.
He warned that, without trust, governance weakens, markets falter, and social cohesion erodes, ultimately undermining efforts toward sustainable development and national unity.
The former Chairman and CEO of FSB International Bank affirmed that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of potential but the need to consistently align its human and institutional resources toward a shared national purpose.
He added that, by strengthening institutions, deepening productivity and sustaining trust, the country can unlock its full potential and make excellence the norm rather than the exception.
Hayatudeen who congratulated Independent Newspapers on its 25th anniversary described the milestone as a remarkable testament to resilience and professionalism in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
He noted that the newspaper’s survival and growth over the past quarter century represented a triumph that is far more than a business success.
Hayatu-Deen urged the newspapers and the broader media community to continue upholding the highest standards of independence and integrity, noting that public trust remains their most valuable asset.
“A free and independent press is indispensable in a democracy, it 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.
He further underscored the central role of the media in building and sustaining trust, describing journalism as the lifeblood of democracy and an indispensable mechanism for accountability.
Hayatu-Deen also congratulated the honourees, describing them as “catalysts who have altered the trajectory of their respective fields through vision, courage and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
He said the awardees had been appropriately named because they represented a rare fusion of vision and courage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Hayatu-Deen is renowned as a successful turnaround manager of public and private enterprises,
He oversaw NDDC’s massive portfolio of 145 companies which under his watch was the single largest diversified holding company south of the Sahara.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
