Governing Bodies
Former sports minister and now new Presidential Adviser Sunday Dare is a Communications Expert
BY KOLA DANIEL
Sunday Akin Dare is 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, Dare has made significant contributions to the field of media and communications both in Nigeria and internationally.
Dare’s journey in journalism began 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 turned global 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 programs.
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.
Dare went on to serve as the Media Adviser/ Chief of Staff to Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu.
His instrumental involvement in the sale of the 2.3 GHz spectrum frequency in 2014 underscored his strategic vision and leadership in the convergence that later occurred in the media sector.
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 Executive 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 recognized 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 and Harvard University and Oxford University, Sunday Akin 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.
Kola Daniel was media aid to Sunday Dare who was Nigeria’s 36th Minister of Sports
Former second vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and head of the now defunct League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko has been named as the Chairman of the newly reconstituted National Sports Commission (NSC).
His appointment follows the decision by President Tinubu to scrap the Ministry of Sports and replace it with the NSC
The Minister of the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has been reassigned as Minister of State for Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment.
Dikko was appointed as LMC chairman on December 26, 2014 and reappointed Chairman on April 4, 2019.
The NSC was first established in 1962 as the National Sports Council and was then headed by Akin Deko. On September 6, 1971, Decree 34 was promogulated formally establishing the NSC as a Commission.
Decree 34 of 1975 amended the original law before another decree in 1991 scrapped the commission.
Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu has scrapped the Ministry of Sports and replaced it with the National Sports Commission (NSC). This is the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting this Wednesday.
The fate of John Owan Enoh is not disclosed. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the spokesman to the Nigerian president. It is not just the Ministry of Sports that has been affected, so also are regional-based ministry.
In that regard, so also scrapped is the Niger Delta Ministry. Replacing it will be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, North East Development Commission.
The Federal Executive Council also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy.
African football paid $50-million in an out of court settlement to former marketing company Lagardere Sports after abruptly cancelling their long-term agreement, the Confederation of African Football’s congress was told on Tuesday.
The French company had sued for compensation after their 10-year, $1-billion agreement was abruptly cancelled in 2019.
Lagardere Sports held the marketing, sponsorship and television rights to all CAF competitions for two decades, but CAF said it had to cancel the deal after two court rulings found that the agreement was made without proper tender.
The company, now known as Lagardere Unlimited, sued for compensation before accepting a settlement, with CAF paying in two equal tranches, the last of which was paid at the end of last year, CAF’s finance committee vice chairman Andrew Kamanga said.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe told congress the organisation had made a $72-million profit from this year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast, significantly increased from a $4-million profit for the 2021 finals in Cameroon.
CAF said it projected a revenue of almost $150 million for the 2024-2025 financial year, with expenses of $138.2 million.
Some 30% of the budget would be spent on development programmes and contributions to CAF’s 54-member associations.
A proposal was approved to give each association president an annual salary of $50,000 from the $400,000 annual contribution.
Motsepe, expected to stand for re-election next year, said CAF wanted to increase African football’s revenue to $1-billion over the next eight years. “We are having a lot of discussions with potential sponsors,” he told the congress in the Ethiopian capital.
He said CAF wanted to give $1-million annually to each member association from 2026.
Motsepe also said CAF were reviewing rules on the treatment of visiting teams in the wake of Nigeria’s national team being held at a Libyan airport for a half day before last week’s scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Nigeria refused to play the game after saying they had been held hostage by Libyan authorities who diverted their charter plane to an unused airfield and then left them waiting.
“National teams must be treated with respect. If there are violations, we’ll take action,” said Motsepe.
-Reuters
- AFCON1 week ago
Libya’s AFCON dreams go up in flames!
- AFCON6 days ago
CAF probes Libya over Nigeria match
- AFCON1 week ago
Libya FA explains their inhumane treatment of Super Eagles delegation
- AFCON1 week ago
BREAKING! CAF wades into the Libya-Nigeria Airport episode
- AFCON6 days ago
BREAKING! Libya Football Federation secretary doubts the integrity of CAF
- AFCON1 week ago
Nigeria apologises to Libya for football incident, claims Libyan newspaper
- AFCON1 week ago
Super Eagles are airborne to Nigeria
- AFCON1 week ago
Rwanda breaks 12-year jinx in victory over Benin Republic