President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has penned a heartfelt tribute to his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Akin Dare, ahead of his 60th birthday on Friday, May 29, 2026.
In a State House statement released Thursday, the President lauded the veteran journalist and former minister as a fiercely loyal ally and an invaluable asset to the “Renewed Hope” administration. Reflecting on their long-standing political relationship, Tinubu recalled their grueling days in the trenches between 2013 and 2014, working to birth the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Together, day and night… we were in the crucible, planning, strategising, consulting… until the birth of our governing All Progressives Congress,” Tinubu stated. “Through it all, Sunday exhibited no let or hindrance. His dexterity, tenacity, industry, resilience, professionalism, and multitasking clearly came to the fore.”
Before his current role, Dare built a stellar public service resume:
- Chief of Staff to Bola Tinubu (2013–2014): Strategically coordinated the multi-party merger that formed the APC.
- Executive Commissioner, NCC (2016–2019): Managed key stakeholder relations and telecommunications policy alignment.
- Minister of Youth & Sports Development (2019–2023): Pioneered youth empowerment structures and major national sporting reforms.
Tinubu also commended Dare’s dedication to community advancement, noting that his extensive national service earned him the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), alongside his traditional title as the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland.
Concluding the tribute, the President thanked his long-time aide for his continuous contributions to the administration’s communication team, wishing him robust health, wisdom, and continued service to the nation.
