The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has extended warm felicitations to Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to the President, on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

In a heartfelt message, Olopade described Chief Dare as “an astute, competent, hardworking, and charismatic trailblazer” whose influence and leadership continue to shape Nigeria’s sporting future.

“As the former Minister of Sports, Chief Sunday Dare pioneered several forward-thinking policies that we are proudly implementing today under the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigeria Sports Economy,” Olopade said.

He further recalled the pivotal role Chief Dare played in securing Ogun State as the host of the 22nd National Sports Festival — a decision that has now become a defining moment in the state's sporting history.

“As a consultant, I led the bid for Ogun State to host the festival, and Chief Sunday Dare, in his wisdom as then Sports Minister, believed in our vision and awarded us the hosting rights. That the festival’s closing ceremony coincides with his 59th birthday is a truly symbolic moment.”

“The good people of Ogun State will always remember his contribution in putting the Gateway State on the global sporting map through this historic hosting,” he added.

Olopade also praised Chief Dare as a thoroughbred democrat, noting the significance of his birthday aligning with Democracy Day — a day that embodies the values he upholds.

“As you celebrate another remarkable year today, I pray for greater health, wisdom, and prosperity,” Olopade concluded.