By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the appointment of the immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare as Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation.
The New Diplomat reports that Dare’s appointment came amid the shake-up of Tinubu’s administration on Wednesday.
The appointment of Dare will see him work for the Federal government while operating from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The New Diplomat reports that Dare previously served as the Nigerian Minister of Youth & Sports from 2019 to 2023 under the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Before being made a minister, Buhari had appointed Dare as an Executive Commissioner of stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2016.
He also served as the Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on media to the current President after the later left office as the governor of Lagos State.
Dare is also a distinguished Nigerian journalist and communications expert with a career spanning over three decades. With a solid foundation in journalism and a wealth of experience in various media-related roles.
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He has made significant contributions to the field of media and communications both in Nigeria and internationally.
His journey in journalism cuts across serving as a correspondent for prestigious publications such as The Nation magazine in New York and the European-backed Fourth Estate magazine during Nigeria’s military era.
He was also a key member of the founding team of Nigerian weekly magazines, The News and Tempo, showcasing his early commitment to quality journalism. He numbers among the tribe of Guerrilla journalists who risked their lives to fight Military Dictatorship.
His career took a global turn when he served as the Chief of the Hausa Service, African Division at Voice of America in Washington, DC. In this role, Dare managed diverse portfolios and led a team of international journalists across seven countries in Africa demonstrating his ability to oversee complex media operations and deliver impactful broadcast programmes.
Dare’s expertise in media management was further honed during his tenure as the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications during the administration of President Yar’adua where he played a pivotal role in shaping media policies and public information dissemination.
In addition to his governmental roles, Dare founded the Social Media Clinic (SMC), a pioneering program focused on educating citizens about IT development and new media usage for societal advancement. His commitment to leveraging technology for social good highlights his forward-thinking approach to media and information technology.
Dare’s exceptional career trajectory culminated in his appointment as the Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he effectively managed interactions with public and private sector stakeholders. His ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and drive strategic communications initiatives solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the telecommunications industry.
Throughout his career, Dare has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Voice of America Meritorious Honor Award and the Reuters Foundation Journalism Research Fellowship. His dedication to journalism and commitment to promoting media excellence have earned him accolades both in Nigeria and on the international stage.
With a Bachelor of Science in International Studies, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and a wealth of professional experiences from renowned institutions such as New York University Harvard University, and Oxford University, Dare continues to be a trailblazer in the field of media and communications, shaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria and beyond.
He was awarded the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger CON.
