A seasoned technocrat and former Group Managing Director of the New Nigeria Development Company (NDDC), Alhaji Mohammed Hayatudeen, has congratulated Independent Newspapers on its 25th anniversary.
Hayatudeen, who oversaw NDDC’s massive portfolio of 145 companies which under his watch was the single largest diversified holding company south of the Sahara, described the milestone as a remarkable testament to resilience and professionalism in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
A statement released by his media office on Sunday quoted Hayatudeen, who was Guest of Honour at the Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, as saying the newspaper’s survival and growth over the past quarter century represents a triumph that is far more than a business success.
He observed that the newspaper has not only chronicled Nigeria’s history but has actively contributed to shaping it by upholding the enduring responsibility of the press to inform, question and hold power accountable without fear or favour, even in an increasingly complex digital media environment.
Hayatudeen, who made a presentation to the awardees at the event, said their contributions have redefined standards across business, public service and social impact.
He emphasised that the honourees, who were called “game changers”, were not merely successful individuals but catalysts who have altered the trajectory of their respective fields through vision, courage and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
”A game changer is not merely someone who alters the trajectory of their fields. They break barriers so that others may walk through,” said Hayatudeen, a former Chairman and CEO of FSB International Bank, adding that the awardees had been appropriately named because they represent a rare fusion of vision and courage.
Linking the celebration to Nigeria’s broader development aspirations, Hayatudeen 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.
He stressed that strong institutions are essential for sustaining progress beyond personalities, while a productive economy driven by innovation and human capital development remains key to long-term prosperity. Equally, he noted that trust, earned through consistency, accountability and fairness, is indispensable for functional governance, thriving markets and national cohesion.
Hayatudeen, who is renowned as a successful turnaround manager of public and private enterprises, further underscored the central role of the media in building and sustaining this trust, describing journalism as the lifeblood of democracy and an indispensable mechanism for accountability.
He urged Independent 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.
Hayatudeen said a free and independent press is indispensable in a democracy, adding: ”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 concluded by affirming 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
