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Tinubu’s First-Year Record Necessitates Patience For Greater National Prosperity- Sunday Dare

Published

3 months ago

July 30, 2024

Jeph Ajayi

As Nigeria undergoes significant changes aimed towards national prosperity, immediate past minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has called on the nation to exercise patience and unity, necessitated by the first-year achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.

In a recent statement, Dare emphasized that protests and unrest would only impede the country’s progress, instead Nigerians should assist the Government Consolidate on its achievements for greater national prosperity.

“I urge Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to consolidate the substantial gains made in the past year,” as he highlighted a series of notable progress made under the current administration.

Dare stated that one of the critical achievements has been the increase in the minimum wage to ₦70,000, providing much-needed financial relief to workers across the country. This move is part of a broader effort to improve the living standards of Nigerians and support the workforce. The administration has also granted autonomy to local governments, marking a significant step towards decentralization. This change allows for more efficient and responsive governance at the grassroots level, empowering local authorities to address the specific needs of their communities.

He mentioned that the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme has been initiated, providing ₦50,000 to nano businesses, which is a crucial support mechanism for small-scale entrepreneurs. Also the student loan program, recently implemented, reflects the administration’s commitment to making education more accessible to all Nigerians. In line with promoting cleaner and more affordable energy solutions, the government has approved 10 billion naira for CNG buses across all 36 states and the establishment of over 200 CNG conversion centers.

The public policy expert added that Nigeria’s external reserves have reached a 17-month high, which reflects the country’s economic resilience and a forward march to greater development. He said full turnaround will be experienced soon, and citizens will be in a better place.

Dare expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of national unity and collective effort. He highlighted that these achievements are only the beginning of what is possible and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable society. “With continued support and patience, Nigeria will reach new heights,” Dare stated, reinforcing his belief in the country’s potential for greatness under the current administration.

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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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