By Chimezie Godfrey
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Akin Dare, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a loyal ally, seasoned journalist and committed advocate of democratic governance.
In a personally signed State House statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu recounted Dare’s longstanding partnership with him in the struggle to establish a progressive democratic order in Nigeria and acknowledged his strategic contributions to the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“Today, I celebrate Chief Sunday Akin Dare, renowned journalist, communications expert, and my Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, on attaining 60 on May 29, 2026,” the President stated.
“Sunday has come a long way with me as an ally and partner in our long and arduous struggle to establish a progressive democratic order in the country.”
President Tinubu recalled that after returning from the United States, Dare remained steadfast in his commitment to democratic ideals and national development.
“Since he returned from the United States of America to join us, he has neither relented nor looked back in his resolve to contribute significantly to the entrenchment of democratic good governance in the land,” he said.
The President disclosed that both men worked closely between 2013 and 2014 in building alliances that eventually culminated in the emergence of the APC as Nigeria’s ruling party.
“Together, day and night, from 2013 to 2014, we were in the crucible, planning, strategising, consulting, and engaging with like-minded people in our bid to forge an alliance between progressives in the North and South of Nigeria, until the birth of our governing All Progressives Congress,” Tinubu stated.
According to the President, Dare distinguished himself through “dexterity, tenacity, industry, resilience, professionalism, and multitasking.”
He further recalled Dare’s service as his Chief of Staff/Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, noting that he demonstrated “fine leadership, innovative thinking and courage.”
President Tinubu also acknowledged the role played by former President Muhammadu Buhari in recognising Dare’s capabilities through appointments into strategic national offices.
“It was in recognition of these attributes that our late leader and patriot, President Muhammadu Buhari, who also encountered him at the time, appointed Sunday first as Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management of the National Communications Commission, and later as Minister of Youth and Sports Development,” he stated.
The President commended Dare’s performance in the current administration, particularly his deployment of digital communication expertise in strengthening government media engagement.
“As Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications in our administration, Sunday has brought his deep understanding of digital and new media to bear in the work of our media and communications team,” Tinubu added.
He also praised Dare’s contributions to family values, community development and national growth, noting that his achievements earned him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and the traditional title of Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland in Oyo State.
“I congratulate Sunday on reaching this milestone age of 60, and particularly on his immense accomplishments at this age. I also commend his important contributions to his community, state, the journalism profession and Nigeria at large,” the President said.
“I thank him for his partnership, his useful services to our progressive front, and his continuous, invaluable work in our Renewed Hope Administration.
“I wish him many more years, good health and increased wisdom so he can continue to offer more useful services to Nigeria.”
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