This is Sunday Dare, President Tinubu’s new special adviser on public communication
Sunday Akin Dare was born on May 29, 1966, in Nigeria. His educational journey began at Baptist High School in Jos, where he completed his secondary education from 1978 to 1983.
Following this, he pursued advanced studies at Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife. In 1991, he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) honors degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University.
He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts (MA) in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos in 1996. His commitment to education continued as he became a Freedom Forum Fellow at New York University in 1998 and later attended Harvard University as a Nieman Journalism Fellow.
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Journalism career beginnings
Dare’s career in journalism commenced approximately three decades ago when he worked as a correspondent for The Nation magazine based in New York. He also served as a production editor for the European-backed Fourth Estate magazine during Nigeria’s military rule. His early experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors in media and communications.
Voice of America tenure
Between 2001 and 2009, Sunday Dare held the position of Chief of the Hausa Service at Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, D.C. During this time, he managed various portfolios that included overseeing daily radio and online broadcast programs aimed at West African audiences. His leadership helped shape VOA’s outreach to over 21 million listeners across the region, solidifying his reputation as an influential figure in international journalism.
Return to Nigeria and government role
In 2009, Dare returned to Nigeria to serve as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing media-related decisions and public information dissemination under the ministry’s jurisdiction. Notably, he played a significant role in facilitating the sale of the 2.3 GHz spectrum frequency in 2014.
Nigerian Communications Commission appointment
In August 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Sunday Dare as Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). In this role, he was tasked with managing interactions between NCC and both public and private sector stakeholders, further enhancing his influence within Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
Ministerial Role: Youth & sports development
Dare’s most prominent role came when he was appointed Minister of Youth & Sports from 2019 until early 2023. During his tenure, he implemented several initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and sports development. He oversaw programs that trained over 200,000 youths in digital skills and introduced various initiatives like the DEEL initiative focusing on digital skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
Youth investment fund achievements
Under his leadership, more than 28,000 youths benefited from the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which provided financial support for entrepreneurial ventures among young Nigerians. Additionally, Dare championed salary increases for National Youth Service Corps members from ₦19,800 to ₦33,000 per month while improving their kits.
Sports infrastructure development initiatives
Dare also focused on revitalizing sports infrastructure through initiatives such as adopting athletes and facilities via public-private partnerships (PPP). He facilitated renovations at key sporting venues like Moshood Abiola National Stadium after nearly a decade without proper maintenance. This effort garnered recognition from both CAF (Confederation of African Football) and FIFA.
Controversies during tenure
Despite his achievements, Sunday Dare faced controversies during his ministerial tenure. Notably, he imposed a self-ban on Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team from participating in international competitions leading up to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2022—a decision that drew significant backlash from players and fans alike.
Recognition and legacy
Throughout his career, Sunday Dare has been recognized for his contributions to journalism and public service. He received numerous awards including being named one of Nigeria’s leading figures during its Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration abroad. His legacy includes not only advancements made within youth development but also significant strides toward improving sports infrastructure within Nigeria.
