By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

The management of Vivacity Development, a leading social enterprise dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges focused on Climate Change, Gender Equality, Good Governance, Food Security, and Youth Mental Health, extends heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sunday Akin Dare on his recent appointment as Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.

Oluwakemi Anne Melody, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Vivacity Development, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making a well-considered choice in selecting Chief Dare, given his distinguished career as a Nigerian journalist and communications expert spanning over three decades.

Chief Sunday Dare's illustrious career began as a correspondent for prominent 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 founding member of The News and Tempo, two Nigerian weekly magazines, demonstrating his early dedication to high-quality journalism. Notably, Dare was part of the courageous group of guerrilla journalists who risked their lives to oppose military dictatorship.

His career expanded globally when he served as Chief of the Hausa Service at Voice of America in Washington, D.C., where he managed a team of international journalists across seven African countries, showcasing his leadership and expertise in media operations.

Dare further honed his skills during his time as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications under President Umaru Yar'Adua, where he played a crucial role in shaping media policies and public communication strategies. He later served as Media Adviser and Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, cementing his influence in Nigeria's media landscape.

His leadership was instrumental in the 2014 sale of the 2.3 GHz spectrum frequency, a key milestone in the convergence of Nigeria’s media and telecommunications sectors. During the #EndSARS crisis, Dare played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between youth and the government, organizing town hall meetings and engaging key stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

Beyond his government service, Dare founded the Social Media Clinic (SMC), a pioneering initiative aimed at educating citizens about IT development and the responsible use of new media for social progress. His forward-thinking approach continues to shape the future of media and information technology in Nigeria.

Dare’s exceptional contributions earned him prestigious awards, including the Voice of America Meritorious Honor Award and the Reuters Foundation Journalism Research Fellowship. His academic credentials, which include a Bachelor of Science in International Studies, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and training from esteemed institutions such as New York University, Harvard University, and Oxford University, further solidify his expertise.

Awarded the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Chief Sunday Dare is well-prepared to take on this new role, ensuring that clear and effective communication bridges the gap between the government and the Nigerian public. His lifelong dedication to Nigeria and its people underscores his readiness to serve the nation in this important capacity.