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Meet Sunday Akin Dare: President Tinubu’s New Special Adviser on Public Communication
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, October 23, appointed Sunday Dare as Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.
KANO FOCUS reports that 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 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 Guerrila journalists who risked their lives to fight Military Dictatorship.
His career took a global turn 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 programmes.
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 recognised 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 Harvard University, and Oxford University, 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 honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger CON.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.
“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.
“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.
Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.
Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
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