Chief, but now Pastor John Dara was once Nigerian former presidential candidate of the Alliance for Social Democrats (ASD) in 2019, and remains an advocate of justice for his fellow citizens. On the occasion of his 70th birthday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails Dara and described him as an accomplished management consultant, political and social activist known for “his dedication to national transformation through democracy, economic growth and industrialisation.”
Applauding Dara’s courage, intellect, and enduring belief in Nigeria’s future, Tinubu recalled his roles in the fight to address challenges confronting the nation, including the persistent issue of restructuring, federalism, resource control, and security, among other crucial issues militating against the growth of the nation.
Appreciated At Home
The president was not the only one pouring encomiums on the erudite advocate for justice. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State where Dara hails from, in his congratulatory message of Dara’s attainment of 70 years, commended him for “active participation and quality contributions to the enrichment of Nigeria’s democratic journey at various times.”
No doubt, Chief John Dara has become a consummate citizen that has become an inspiring beacon of how not to give up in the face of adversities. He is not only a man of many colours, his physique, unburdened by the seven decades of living in a nation where the life expectancy is 56, he still carries in his bones a fiery devotion in the transformation of a country where all are treated equally.
His membership of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) where he served as national secretary glaringly attests to his love in championing the rights of ethnic nationalities. With his expertise, he walked toward creating synergies between Northern and Southern minorities in fashioning out political direction at the turn of the millennium. The present collaborative venture existing between the North and the South can be linked to his undying devotion to justice for not only the big ethnic groups but also the smaller ethnic groups.
Born on 28th May, 1955, young John was enrolled at the Baptist Day School, Kwara State, between 1961 and 1966. He would gain admission to the Offa Grammar School in the same state where he completed his secondary school from 1967 to 1971. He later attended Titcombe College, Egbe, Kogi State, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) between 1972 and 1973. After completing his first degree at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State in 1978, he proceeded to the Imo State University, Owerri where he bagged an MBA in 2003. He was given Honorary Doctor of Theology (D. Th) by the African Christian Theological University (UNIPACT), Accra, Ghana (1995) and another Doctor of Ministry (Honoris Causa) by the Agape Christian Theological Seminary.
After graduation, he served as a teacher during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Borno (1978-1979), teacher, Oyo State Government (1979-1980). He later strayed into publishing when he was appointed executive director of A.G.E. & Co. Ltd, Publishers and PR Consultants, Lagos (1981-1982) and managing director, Prime Media Lt., Advertising PR & Publishing Company, Lagos, between 1982 and 1991, 1982-1991.
His previous experience as the secretary, Strategic Policy and Programmes Committee of the Awoist Movement in 1987 and 1988 led him to join the National Republican Convention (NRC) where he served as special assistant to Governor Michael Otedola of Lagos State from 1992 to 1993. His participation in politics would for over three decades turn him into an active participant in Nigerian politics and socio-cultural groups. Apart from heading several positions, including special adviser to Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd) between 1999-2003, Dara would contest the presidential candidate on the platform of the Alliance for Social Democratic (ASD) in 2019.
Footprints Of A Realist
He is not only a vibrant social activist and an advocate for peaceful co-existence, minority rights, and the upliftment of disadvantaged people, among other advocacies he has devoted his life to, Dara is a courageous and consistent crusader for democracy and an advocate of minorities’ rights. Unlike some who run away from people they disagree with; the former presidential candidate is a courageous scholar and political strategist, who is unafraid of the noisemakers in the marketplace of ideas.
Having been a witness and sometime, active participant in some of the curves experienced in the nation’s history, Pastor Dara engages in giving reminiscences of major happenings from a perspective worthy of truthbearers. His life and place in Nigeria’s history speak of the dilemma faced by ethnic minorities in the North but compounded by the interplay of religious discrimination that has been stamped in the North.
Standing Tall
Despite being a Northerner, some see him more as belonging to the South than the North. As someone who is of the Christian faith, his religion remains untrustworthy by the Northern ruling elite whose major preoccupation is reducing non-Muslims in the region into political nothingness. However, in the course of his life, Dara has not been discouraged to ensuring the enthronement of unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups that are still living in mutual distrust of one another. He remains a constant town crier against injustice and has never left anyone in doubt as to where he stands in moments of crises.
In the face of continuing insecurity shredding Nigeria, Dara has not let down the bars in calling for the sincerity of the political leadership in fighting the menace of herdsmen. Long before the top military command agreed to the dangers caused by foreign herdsmen, Dara had always been in the vanguard of calling for fierce measures against them. Being a realist, he has expressed his support for the Tinubu-led administration. The pastor who is still yet to give up on his dream and vision for Nigeria is hopeful that the present dangers facing his nation will one day be tackled permanently.
Happy 70th birthday to the consummate patriot. May your vision and dream for Nigeria be realised in your lifetime!
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
