Tinubu celebrates Ex-Guardian newspaper chairman, Dare at 80

Annabel Adaeze

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Professor Olatunji Dare on his 80th birthday.

Tinubu's congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, and shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Tinubu described Dare as "one of Nigeria’s finest journalists," who has significantly contributed to public discourse in the country and beyond.

Tinubu further praised Dare for his commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics.

Dare, was a former Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper and weekly columnist of The Nation Newspaper.

The statement read, "President Bola Tinubu congratulates Professor Olatunji Dare, one of Nigeria’s finest journalists, on his 80th birthday on July 17.

"President Tinubu celebrates the former Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper and weekly columnist of The Nation for his commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics, even when he faced adversity and repression during the military era.

"A recipient of several national and international academic and professional awards, the Emeritus Professor of Communication from Bradley University, Illinois, United States, has significantly contributed to public discourse in the country and beyond through his incisive columns in national newspapers and research papers in reputable journals.

"His satirical writings have been the subject of academic research in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

"President Tinubu commends Professor Dare’s continued engagement in quality journalism and mentorship of younger professionals to build a stronger Nigeria.

‘‘May God bless Professor Olatunji Dare with good health and happiness and grant him more years to behold a greater and more prosperous Nigeria,’’ the president prays."