On August 21, 2019, the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari had a date with Nigeria and Nigerians on how to select technocrats to chart a new path for a new Nigeria for Nigerians.

Before the announcement of the composition of his members of his Federal cabinet by President Muhammadu Buhari on this day for a new term in office, Nigerians were apprehensive, just as they were sceptical over the choice of which portfolio each minister designate will be assigned.

 There were a number of ministries Nigerians were worried the President might not make a good pick for. One of those ministries was the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. Their worries are not basically that Nigeria lacks seasoned intellects and capacity but over the years, this key ministry has been lagging behind most ostensibly because past holders of the ministerial office were either people with no sporting background or no interest in sports at all, hence the ministry has been at the receiving end of misplaced priority.

With the announcement of the ministers in August and their various portfolios made public, many of the ministers made pronouncements on that day. One of them was Mr. Sunday Dare.  Hearing the minister speak on the day he assumed office rekindled hope and enthusiasm in the sector and erased a lot of doubts to begin with.

One of the headlines on the dailies gave hope that all would go hand in hand. “I Am not a Football Minister,” he said. That gave hope particularly to other sports and he has since kept to his words, giving attention to the various other sports. He has practically touched all the various sports federations in the country with one form of innovation or the other.

A tireless man with results to show for it.  He has make good on his promise to not also focus on Sports at the expense of youth development. This he has started with the provision of digital skills for youth empowerment amongst other laudable programmes being unveiled by the Ministry in each passing day.

Charismatic and intelligent, driven by passion, I make bold to say that this is the first time the youth have been carried along by a minister in charge of the ministry.

He is truly an advocate of the youth, a game with a clear sense of direction.

A man with sound mind who has never claimed to have all the answers but continues to give his best. He also has a sparkling sense of humour which is a rare commodity in present day leaders in the country.

Above all, a leader who walks the talk. He is surrounded by a retinue of vibrant young aides.

With so much plans, policies but in place in the past five months, Nigerians have started expressing relief that at last, Nigeria sports ministry is having a round peg in a round hole.

Mr Sunday Dare has been acknowledged by all sports followers and stakeholders as the “new deal” in that sector.  

Spot on Mr. Sunday Dare. Rise and take a bow.