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Tag: Sunday Dare

  • Democracy suffered mortal wounds under Obasanjo — Presidency

    Democracy suffered mortal wounds under Obasanjo — Presidency

    Special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on public communication and orientation, Sunday Dare, has said that Nigeria’s democracy suffered mortal wounds under the watch of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Obasanjo had called for the dismissal of the chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels as part of a reform of the electoral process in Nigeria.

    However, in a statement shared on his X account on Monday, Dare said the former president has lost any moral authority to criticise the current government, stressing that he should apologise to Nigerians for failing to lay the necessary infrastructure for the country’s progress.

    He wrote: “Former President Obasanjo is a man with a tremendous capacity for mischief and Nigerians know it.

    “His journey along the path of hallucinations has never been in doubt.

    “So is his descent into muddling facts, forgetting that he ran a Presidency on record as the most corrupt. His recent diatribe at Yale University lacks sincerity.

    “It is actually laughable that Obasanjo’s pretentiousness about fighting corruption is not cutting any ice in the eyes of the general public.

    Read Also: Obasanjo’s comment on Tinubu mischievous, says Afenifere chief

    “We all know what happened under his watch and how, up till the present moment, there has been no explanation as to how he wasted a whopping $16bn in generating megawatts of darkness across the nation. But that is not even the issue.

    “Democracy suffered mortal wounds under his watch only capped by his murderous rage for an ill-fated 3rd term. Successive administrations struggled to clean up the mess Obasanjo left behind, which President Tinubu is now making progress with.

    “Obasanjo has lost any moral right to condemn any government. He should apologise to Nigerians for not laying the foundational infrastructure Nigeria needed to advance.

    “The. Yoruba proverb, “A o ki n wo ariwo oja, eniti a anba na oja ni a n wo”. This means that you shouldn’t pay heed to the market’s noise. Rather, keep an eye on the person you are negotiating with. This is instructive.

    “In this market called Nigeria, the man with the renewed hope agenda is the one that matters and indeed Nigerians.  Everything else is ariwo oja. This administration will stay focused on bringing relief to Nigerians. Obasanjo’s remarks reflect the infantilist nature of market noise.

    “President Tinubu will stay the Course in seeing through the reforms he has instituted for a better Nigeria.

    “The point here is that Obasanjo should take time off this habit of pulling down leaders, especially his successors and try to interrogate himself on how he has contributed to the parlous state of the Nigerian nation which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now spiritedly battling to put back on the track of development.

    “We thank former President Obasanjo for agreeing that “Yes, there is hope”. That’s the Renewed Hope Agenda President Tinubu is about and it’s on track.

    “We are happy to have that conversation with the former President,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu appoints Sunday Dare as Special Adviser on public communications

    JUST IN: Tinubu appoints Sunday Dare as Special Adviser on public communications

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Sunday Dare as Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.

    Dare, who is the Agbaakin of Ogbomoso, served as Minister of Youths and Sports Development under the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari.

    The presidency shared this via a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the immediate implementation of eight far-reaching actions to reinvigorate the Administration’s capacity for optimal efficiency pursuant of his commitment to deliver on his promises to Nigerians,” the Presidency stated.

    Dare, an accomplished journalist was part of the founding team of weekly magazines The News and Tempo and worked in the United States. 

    Read Also: NUJ honours Sunday Dare wíth ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’

    He was born on May 29, 1966. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Studies, Second Class Upper from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Masters in International Law with a Distinction from the University of Jos, Plateau State. 

    Dare has at different times been an Oxford University, United Kingdom Research Fellow; Harvard Nieman Journalism Fellow; and New York University Freedom Forum Fellow.

    He also served as Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management) at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) following his appointment in August 2016. 

  • Tinubu sowing seeds of progress, national prosperity, says Sunday Dare

    Tinubu sowing seeds of progress, national prosperity, says Sunday Dare

    • Ex-minister calls for greater understanding among citizens

    Immediate past minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has urged fellow Nigerians to show greater understanding and be patient with the Bola Tinubu administration.

    He said the country is undergoing significant changes aimed towards national prosperity.

    In a statement, Dare said: “The Tinubu-led administration is sowing seeds that will bear fruits in time. We need to give the President the benefit of time.”

    The former minister noted that protests and unrest would only impede the country’s progress, saying Nigerians should instead assist the government to consolidate on its achievements for greater national prosperity.

    “I urge Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to consolidate the substantial gains made in the past year,” he said.

    According to him, the made has a series of notable progress under the current administration.

    Dare said one of the critical achievements of the Tinubu administration is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which is subsidising the education of the youths at a most needed time.

    The ex-minister described the fund as succour for both parents and their children.

    He noted that the Consumer Credit scheme, the first of its kind is a booster for the purchasing power of the citizens and the overall economy.

    Listing a number of programmes the current administration has embarked upon to make life easier for the citizenry, Dare noted that there is an increase in the minimum wage to N70,000, which he said is “providing much-needed financial relief to workers across the country”. The former minister also said there has been a massive distribution of rice and grains across the country, ordered by President Tinubu, and many key initiatives under the Economic Sustainability Plan.

    Read Also: EFCC recovers N231.62b under Tinubu

    “The recent Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to the local governments, which was championed by the Tinubu-led government, remains a revolutionary one capable of bringing much needed development to the grassroots. It also marks a significant step towards decentralisation. This change allows for more efficient and responsive governance at the grassroots level, empowering local authorities to address the specific needs of their communities.

    “These moves are parts of a broader effort to cushion the effects of recent policies,” he said.

    Dare lauded the start of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, which provides N50,000 to nano businesses.

    The ex-minister described this as a crucial support mechanism for small-scale entrepreneurs. “Also, the student loan programme, recently implemented, reflects the administration’s commitment to making education more accessible to all Nigerians.

    “In line with promoting cleaner and more affordable energy solutions, the government has approved N10 billion for compressed natural gas (CNG) buses across all 36 states and the establishment of over 200 CNG conversion centres,” he said.

    The public policy expert added that Nigeria’s external reserves have reached a 17-month high, which reflects the country’s economic resilience and a forward march to greater development.

    Dare expressed confidence that a full turnaround would be experienced soon while the citizens would be in a better place under the current administration.

    The ex-minister also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasising the importance of national unity and collective effort.

    He stressed that these achievements are only the beginning of what is possible and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable society.

    “With continued support and patience, Nigeria will reach new heights,” Dare said, reinforcing his belief in the country’s potential for greatness under the current administration.

  • Tinubu sowing seed of progress, prosperity, says Sunday Dare

    Tinubu sowing seed of progress, prosperity, says Sunday Dare

    Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has stated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sowing seed of national progress and prosperity. 

     ” The Tinubu-led administration is sowing seeds that will bear fruits in time. We need to give the President the benefit of time, ” he said. 

     In a statement, Dare emphasized that protests and unrest would only impede the country’s progress, stating instead Nigerians should assist the government consolidate on its achievements for greater national prosperity. 

    “I urge Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to consolidate the substantial gains made in the past year,” he appealed highlighting series of notable progress under the current administration.

    Dare stated that one of the critical achievements has been the NELFUND subsidising the education of our young ones at a most needed time. 

    Read Also: Oshaniwa urges NFF to  quickly  find Finidi’s replacement 

    “A succour for both parents and their children. The Consumer Credit scheme the first of ti’s kind a booster to purchasing power and overall economy. Increase  in the minimum wage to ₦70,000, providing much-needed financial relief to workers across the country. Massive Distribution of Rice and Grains across the country ordered by President Tinubu and many key initiatives under the Economic Sustainabilty Plan. 

    “The recent supreme Court Judgement granting automy to the Local governments that was championed by the Tinubu led government remains a revolutionary one capable of bringing much needed development to the grassroots.   

    “It also marks  a significant step towards decentralization. This change allows for more efficient and responsive governance at the grassroots level, empowering local authorities to address the specific needs of their communities.

    “These moves are  part of a broader effort to cushion the effects of recent policies,” he pointed out. 

    He mentioned the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme has been initiated, providing ₦50,000 to micro businesses, which is a crucial support mechanism for small-scale entrepreneurs.

    He added the government has approved N10 billion for CNG buses across all 36 states and the establishment of over 200 CNG conversion centers.

    The public policy expert added that Nigeria’s external reserves have reached a 17-month high, which reflects the country’s economic resilience and a forward march to greater development. He said full turnaround will be experienced soon, and citizens will be in a better place.

    Dare expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of national unity and collective effort. 

    He highlighted that these achievements are only the beginning of what is possible and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable society.

     “With continued support and patience, Nigeria will reach new heights,” Dare stated, reinforcing his belief in the country’s potential for greatness under the current administration.

  • NUJ honours Sunday Dare wíth ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’

    NUJ honours Sunday Dare wíth ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists has honoured Chief Sunday Dare  with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’

     Dare, who is a veteran journalist, with over 25  years of experience in journalism, was presented the award during the NUJ Family/Veterans’ Day held at Dapo Aderogba Hall of the NUJ Press Centre Iyaganku Ibadan.

    The event marked the Day 4 activity, in commemoration of the 2023 Press Week of Nigeria Union of Journalists, which started on the 15th of October, 2023.

    The award was presented to Dare, by the ace broadcaster, one time Chairman of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), and Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, who was also the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Y?mi Farounbi , who stated, “You are presented with this award, in recognition of your immense contributions to our union and humanity in general.”

    Also, during the event, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Comrade Demola Babalola lauded the impacts of Chief Sunday Dare, on the NUJ, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large, which deemed him fit for the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

    Read Also: Buhari to confer excellence award on Sunday Dare

    Comrade Demola Babalola went further to appreciate the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, for sponsoring the Day 3 Sports activity, Road Walk and Indoor Games of the 2023 Press Week, donating T-Shirts, and cash prizes for the winners in all the games.

    In his acceptance speech, the immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development said, “I appreciate the NUJ Oyo State Council for this award. It means a lot to me, as it is coming from my own state, Oyo State, and my family in journalism.

    “With this award, together we will have to do more for journalism, as a profession and intensify our developmental programmes because that is where I belong.”

    The Sarkin Wassani of Daura Emirates concluded by saying, “Once again I appreciate the Chairman NUJ Oyo State Council, the executive, League of Veteran Journalists, members of the Union and all present, for the honour.”

  • How to tackle graduate unemployment, by Dare, Wigwe

    THE Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, on Monday said the unemployment menace currently ravaging the country could be blamed on the lack of digital skills.

    Speaking at the Creative Nigeria Summit organised by Think Tank Media Advertising at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, he said the digital skills common among the youth of today is to Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platfoms.

    According to the minister, it is only digital skills that hold the future for jobs, adding that soft skills such as software and innovative products have made young millionaires out of India youths.

    He said a-month digital skills training will be done in about 45 centres across the country, adding that the training will avail them the opportunity to acquire the skills.

    Read Also: SWAN congratulates Sunday Dare

    “By giving our youths the digital skills, we can give them jobs and make them young millionaires,” he said.

    Also speaking on the occasion, the Group Chief Executive, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe said the banks also need the economy to grow the business, adding that lenders must support the creative industry because of its potential to create direct jobs.

    He said the foreign exchange (forex) could also be raised from the sector. “We must come together to resolve the unemployment problem; create an industry that is derisked,” he said.

     

     

  • President nominates replacement for Sunday Dare on NCC board

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday nominated Mr. Adeleke Adewolu as an Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Board.

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan read a letter from President Buhari requesting the Senate to consider and approve the nomination of Adewolu for the position on the floor of the Senate.

    The President’s letter, dated August 21, reads: “In accordance with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Act, 2003, I hereby present Adeleke Moronfolu Adewolu for confirmation as Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “While hoping that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate, please accept, Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration”.

    Adewolu is expected to replace Sunday Dare, who is the Minister of Youth and Sports, as the Southwest representative on the board of the NCC.

     

  • Dare, Badminton Federation meet today over Olympic qualifiers

    MINISTER of Sports Sunday Dare will meet officials of the Badminton Federation Nigeria (BFN) today over the need to get Nigeria’s top players to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

    The BFN boss Francis Orbih who disclosed this to NationSport yesterday said the meeting would afford the BFN the opportunity to discuss what the federations needs to do to get its athletes to Tokyo. He also said that the discussion would centre on the need to continue developing badminton in the country.

    “Our main focus at the BFN is to get our top players – Anu Opeyori, Godwin Olofua and Dorcas Adesokan – to next year Olympics. We can only achieve this if we get enough funds to send them to 10 tournaments so that they can get the needed points to make our dream come true. We awill also pursue our developmental programmes to discover more talents.”

    Read Also: Dare needs support

    Orbih noted that the BFN had already submitted a budget to the ministry with the hope that they would get funds to prosecute their pre-Olympic programme and other activities that would uplift the game in the country.

    He said the minister was impressed about the giant stride badminton was making and he is willing to give them support to take the game to the next level. “The Minister said he was happy with what we are doing at the BFN. He is delighted with the form of our athletes and the developmental activities we are doing.”

    The BFN boss said the minister visited the team twice at the African Games in Morocco commending the players for doing the country proud. Nigeria won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals in Morocco to win the badminton event.

  • Nigerians want only victories from you Minister charges Falcons

     

    Super Falcons have been told to settle for only victories in their remaining qualifiers leading to the 2020 Olympics,  as that is the only news Nigerians expect to hear.

    Sports minister Sunday Dare who gave the charge opined that it is the business of the girls to do their job on the pitch, promising that government on its part will ensure their welfare.

    The Minister who visited the girls at their Abuja Stadium training camp on Tuesday, had only few days ago waded into the sudden disappearance of the team’s coach Thomas Dernneby who is being suspected to have dumped the job.

    “This morning I visited the super falcons during their training at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja. I gave inspiring words and assured them that the government will ensure their welfare. I told them Nigerians will expect only victories in their remaining qualifiers,” the minister revealed Tuesday.

    How About this : Falcons player in leg walk with the minister

    Falcons will in continuation of their 2020 Olympic Qualifiers take on their Ivorian counterparts September 30th with the return leg billed for Lagos October 4th.

    The Super Falcons who got a bye in the first round of the Olympic qualifiers edged out Algerian ladies 3-0 in the second round to earn a place in the third round.

    Should the Falcons succeed in disarming Cote d Ivoire in the forth-coming two legged third round, they will face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the fourth round.

  • Sports Ministry to nurture youth athletes, says minister

    YOUTHS and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare, on Sunday said the ministry was planning to have a camping system to nurture athletes discovered at the ongoing 5th National Youth Games (NYG).

    Dare told newsmen in Ilorin after addressing some of the discovered athletes that the ministry would go beyond handing the athletes over to the national sports federations.

    He assured that there would be a renaissance in grassroots sports development. “We are going to have some kind of renaissance when it comes to grassroots development and that is at the local government and the state level.

    “What we are planning to do at the ministry is to hand over the discovered athletes to the different federations. The work of the federations is to develop these talents further and nurture them.

    “But, we will be going beyond sending them to the federations, as we want to involve a camping system where we will be able to monitor them and nurture them into sports professionals,” Dare said.

    He added that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was ready to apply the same political will and spirit into sports to address the lingering challenges.

    Read Also: Senators grill Sunday Dare, Dada, Magashi, Abdullahi

    “Presently in the country we are facing challenges in terms of resources and its management, but the present administration is ready to direct the will in other sectors into sports.

    “Also, we will be concentrating on the management, upgrade and maintenance of facilities,”  Dare said.

    The minister added that the federal sports ministry would help each state surmount its challenges in sports.

    “Even though it is the responsibility of every state to develop sports, but I understand from my interaction with the Directors of Sports that states are facing challenges.

    “I will present their case to the National Executive Council (NEC) and, as a follow-up, I will seek appointment with the state governors to present the pertinent issues raised by the Directors where help is needed.

    “We will also hold a large meeting with the Directors to compare notes and learn how other states are doing better.

    “Also, we want each state to bring forth a coach and submit same to the ministry,and the ministry would train them occasionally.

    “This is because part of our challenges is the technical depth of our coaches, which we need to improve upon,” Dare said.