BY KOLA DANIEL

In a major step towards taking off as the new Marshall of Nigerian sports, newly appointed National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko has met with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and ex Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, on Friday in Abuja.

The meeting is part of early groundwork to establish a robust framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape into a sustainable sports economy.

Dikko is setting the foundation for the NSC with a mission to elevate Nigeria’s sports industry to meet the best standards.

Emphasizing the importance of collective support, Dikko encouraged all stakeholders to rally behind the NSC’s mandate. This new direction is anticipated to boost professionalism, create economic opportunities, and enhance sports infrastructure and development across the country.

As preparations move forward, stakeholders are called upon to contribute to this pivotal shift, as Dikko and his team work to redefine Nigerian sports.

This united front is seen as essential to achieving the ambitious goals of the NSC and take Nigerian sports to unprecedented heights.

Patrice Motsepe, the South African president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF will seek for re-election in March next year when his current term expires.

According to the football governing body’s website, following requests from numerous CAF Member Association Presidents, Zonal Union Presidents and key stakeholders, Dr Patrice Motsepe has finally agreed to stand as a candidate at the CAF Presidential Elections scheduled for March 2025.

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