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Sunday Akin Dare’s Appointment: A Round Peg In A Round Hole

Published

11 months ago

October 30, 2024

By Joel Ajayi

The recent appointment of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, as the new Presidential Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, is a move that deserves widespread commendation.

In a significant departure from previous practices, this strategic choice reflects a pragmatic approach to national development, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and impactful governance.

This appointment symbolizes the President’s dedication to assembling a team of competent, committed, and qualified individuals who are positioned to contribute meaningfully to the administration.

For those familiar with Dare’s career, politics, and achievements, it is clear that he is indeed a “round peg in a round hole” for this new role.

Sunday Dare brings a wealth of expertise as a seasoned media professional and a visionary leader. As the President’s special adviser, he is expected to leverage his extensive background in communications to effect positive change in Nigeria’s public communication landscape.

With over three decades of experience in journalism, Dare has made significant contributions to media and communications both locally and globally.

His journey began with publications such as *The Nation* magazine in New York and *Fourth Estate* magazine during Nigeria’s military era, where he became part of a group of courageous “guerrilla journalists” who risked their lives to oppose military dictatorship.

Dare’s career expanded internationally when he served as the Chief of the Hausa Service, African Division at Voice of America in Washington, DC. In this role, he led a team of journalists across seven African countries, showcasing his expertise in media management and his capacity to oversee complex operations effectively. His media management acumen was further evident during his role as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications under President Yar’Adua, where he influenced public information policies significantly.

Additionally, Dare was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape through strategic moves, including his key role in the 2014 sale of the 2.3 GHz spectrum frequency, which marked a pivotal shift in media convergence.

His dedication to promoting media excellence extends beyond government; as the founder of the Social Media Clinic, he championed digital literacy, highlighting his forward-thinking approach to harnessing technology for societal development.

Dare’s distinguished career also saw him as the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he was renowned for effectively navigating stakeholder relationships and driving strategic communication initiatives.

His contributions have been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the Voice of America Meritorious Honor Award and the Reuters Foundation Journalism Research Fellowship.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in International Studies, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and experiences from institutions like New York University, Harvard, and Oxford, Dare’s academic and professional credentials are noteworthy. He is a recipient of the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), further underscoring his dedication to national service.

Dare’s appointment is a testament to the vision of a government committed to elevating the standards of public communication and orientation in Nigeria.

As he steps into this role, Nigerians can expect to witness impactful communication initiatives that reflect both the President’s and Dare’s dedication to national progress.

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Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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