The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has been confirmed as the Keynote Speaker for the forthcoming Anniversary Public Lecture organised by Lagos-based online newspaper, TheGazelleNews.
The event is scheduled to hold on July 15, 2026, at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja, beginning at 10 a.m., and is expected to attract prominent personalities from various sectors of the Nigerian society.
According to a statement released by the management of the online publication, this year’s lecture will centre on the theme: “Driving Grassroots Governance with Public-Private Partnership: The Pains, The Challenges, The Prospects.”
The organisers explained that the topic was carefully selected in view of the growing national conversation around governance at the grassroots level, sustainable development, and the increasing need for collaboration between government institutions and private sector stakeholders in addressing socio-economic challenges confronting communities across the country.
The management of TheGazelleNews noted that the annual public lecture series was conceived as an intellectual platform designed to stimulate policy conversations and encourage robust engagement on pressing national issues affecting Nigeria and its citizens.
The statement further highlighted that since its inception, the lecture series has continued to attract a distinguished audience comprising policymakers, academics, media professionals, captains of industry, civil society actors, political leaders and other stakeholders committed to national development.
Describing Sunday Dare as an accomplished administrator and communications strategist, the organisers said his wealth of experience in governance, journalism and public affairs makes him suitably qualified to lead discussions on grassroots governance and the strategic importance of public-private partnerships in national development.
Dare, who previously served as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has remained an influential voice in public communication and policy advocacy. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his engagement in governance reforms, media relations and developmental initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery.
The organisers expressed confidence that his keynote presentation would provide practical insights into the opportunities and obstacles associated with strengthening governance structures at the local level through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
They also stated that discussions at the event would examine the realities facing local governance administration in Nigeria, including inadequate funding, infrastructural deficits, policy implementation gaps and the need for stronger institutional partnerships capable of delivering sustainable development to communities.
According to the statement, the lecture will also provide participants with the opportunity to explore innovative solutions and share ideas on how public-private partnerships can be effectively leveraged to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation and community development across the country.
TheGazelleNews management added that preparations for the event have reached advanced stages, assuring invited guests and participants of a rewarding intellectual engagement.
The organisers reiterated their commitment to sustaining the annual lecture series as part of efforts to deepen democratic discourse, promote accountability and encourage meaningful conversations capable of advancing Nigeria’s development agenda.
With growing attention on governance reforms and community-driven development initiatives in the country, expectations are already high that this year’s edition of the lecture will generate impactful discussions and policy recommendations relevant to national growth and grassroots transformation.
