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NYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp

Published

5 years ago

July 8, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has rebuffed the report speculating that the Director General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Ibrahim Shuaibu, is orchestrating plans to Islamize Benue camp, describing it as the imagination of the writer.

A group under the auspices of Coalition for Peace and Justice had in a statement alleged that the NYSC DG expressed anger that there is no Mosque in the camp and ordered Benue State Coordinator to build a mosque in the camp immediately.

However, in a statement signed by the scheme’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Adenike Adeyemi, the management noted that the DG’s instruction was targeted at corps welfare and aimed at ensuring all groups worship under structures built for that purpose and not exposed to negative weather elements in the event of rain or extreme sunshine.

The management further said that there was no time during the DG’s visit such instruction was given, insisting that the scheme recognizes all faith and even allowed the National Association of Catholic Corpers (NACC), Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) and Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria. (MCAN) to operate without hinder in the camp.

“When we visited the camp, the DG observed the three associations worshiping in the open space, he therefore instructed the State coordinator to provide spaces for them, as those worshiping should have a structure under which they should worship. The instruction was therefore targeted toward the welfare of the corps members.

“In fact, it wasn’t only Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria (MCAN) that he saw that day. He was only concern about the welfare of the corps members without prejudice. As the scheme does not favour any religion against another.

“So the DG’s instruction was targeted at corps welfare and aimed at ensuring all groups worship under structures built for that purpose and not exposed to negative weather elements in the event of rain or extreme sunshine,” the statement read.

The management wondered where those peddling the report of Islamization got it from, urging mischief makers to leave the scheme out of any religion, political or ethnic sentiment as it cannot be working against the vision of the scheme.

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

Published

10 hours ago

October 30, 2024

The Gleamer

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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