Sunday Akin Dare, a distinguished Nigerian journalist and communications expert, has been appointed as the Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With over three decades of experience, Dare’s career reflects a deep commitment to media excellence and public communication both in Nigeria and internationally.
His journey in journalism began as a correspondent for *The Nation* magazine in New York and the European-backed *Fourth Estate* magazine during Nigeria’s military era. He was also part of the founding teams for *The News* and *Tempo* weekly magazines, where he stood as a guerrilla journalist, risking his life to fight military dictatorship.
Dare’s global influence was evident when he served as the Chief of the Hausa Service at Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, DC, overseeing international journalists across seven African countries. His expertise in managing large-scale media operations solidified his role in shaping impactful broadcast programs across the continent.
In Nigeria, Dare played pivotal roles, serving as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications under President Yar’Adua’s administration. He later became Media Adviser and Chief of Staff to then-Governor Bola Tinubu, showcasing his close ties with the current president.
His leadership in the telecommunications sector was further demonstrated in his role as Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). There, he managed interactions with key public and private sector stakeholders, leading to significant policy advancements in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
Dare’s forward-thinking vision led him to establish the Social Media Clinic (SMC), an initiative aimed at educating citizens about IT development and the responsible use of new media for social good.
Throughout his career, Dare has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Voice of America Meritorious Honor Award and the Reuters Foundation Journalism Research Fellowship. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in International Studies, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and professional experiences from institutions such as New York University, Harvard University, and Oxford University. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the National Honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Dare’s appointment as Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation is expected to enhance the government’s communication strategies and bolster the administration’s efforts to engage the public more effectively.
