By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has congratulated Independent Newspapers on its 25th anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience, professionalism, and commitment to democratic values.
Hayatu-Deen, who was Guest of Honour at the Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony held in Lagos on over the weekend, said the newspaper’s survival and growth over the past 25 years represent more than a business achievement, but a significant contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development.
In a statement issued by his media office, the former presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that Independent Newspapers has played a vital role in documenting Nigeria’s history while also shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
He commended the organisation for upholding the core duty of the media to inform, question authority, and hold leaders accountable without fear or favour, even in an increasingly complex digital media landscape.
Hayatu-Deen also praised the award recipients honoured at the event, describing them as “game changers” whose contributions have redefined standards in business, governance, and social impact.
“A game changer is not merely someone who alters the trajectory of their field; they break barriers so that others may walk through,” he said, adding that the honourees embody a rare combination of vision, courage, and commitment to excellence.
Linking the anniversary to Nigeria’s broader development challenges, he outlined three key pillars necessary for national progress: strong institutions, a productive economy, and trust in governance.
According to him, enduring progress can only be achieved when institutions are stronger than individuals, while economic growth must be driven by production, innovation, and human capital development rather than consumption.
He further emphasised that trust—built through accountability, fairness, and consistency—is essential for effective governance and national cohesion.
Highlighting the role of the media, Hayatu-Deen described journalism as the “lifeblood of democracy” and urged media organisations to uphold independence and integrity.
“A free press serves as society’s early warning system, shining light in darkness and speaking truth where power may prefer silence,” he stated.
He concluded that Nigeria’s challenge lies not in a lack of potential, but in aligning its human and institutional resources toward a shared national vision.
