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Sunday Akin Dare, CON

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has called for strong institutions, responsible leadership and active citizenship as critical requirements for achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Dare made the call while delivering a distinguished lecture at the Faculty of Law, Northwest University, Kano, on the theme, “Peace, Leadership & Nation Building.”

He said Nigeria’s journey towards a prosperous and peaceful future required more than political promises, stressing that the country must strengthen its institutions, promote responsible leadership and renew its commitment to shared humanity.

Dare identified six strategic frameworks which, according to him, could provide a foundation for nation-building and sustainable peace.

He listed the first as radical institutional overhaul for justice, urging Nigeria to move away from a culture centred on powerful individuals to one anchored on strong, credible and accountable institutions.

He also advocated economic empowerment driven by innovation and inclusion, saying the country must create meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians while transitioning to a knowledge-driven and production-based economy.

On citizenship and national consciousness, Dare called for stronger civic education, peace culture and re-orientation, particularly among young people.

He said citizens must be equipped with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, shared history and their obligations to the nation.

Dare further advocated an uncompromising anti-corruption ethos, stressing the need to establish transparent systems that would make corruption high-risk and low-reward.

He identified the media as another important pillar of nation-building, urging journalists to practise responsible and courageous journalism by promoting truth, national cohesion and responsible public discourse.

The former minister also called for an uncompromised civil society and humanitarian advocacy, maintaining that civil society organisations must remain objective and independent champions of human dignity, peace, civil rights and good governance.

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According to Dare, nation-building should not be left to government alone, but must be treated as a collective responsibility involving leaders, institutions, citizens, the media and civil society.

He particularly stressed the role of young Nigerians in determining the country’s future, urging the younger generation to take an active role in building the Nigeria they desire.

Dare said the country’s future remained a shared responsibility, stressing that Nigerians must work together to build a peaceful, prosperous and united nation.