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.