President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a loyal and committedally who has distinguished himself in journalism and public service. Tinubu said Alake, with whom he has maintained a close relationship for several decades, had built a……
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a loyal and committedally who has distinguished himself in journalism and public service.
Tinubu said Alake, with whom he has maintained a close relationship for several decades, had built a reputation for hard work, excellence and dedication to delivering results.
The President stated this in a birthday tribute on Monday, October 5, ahead of Alake’s 70th birthday on October 6.
“In my several decades of very close relationship with Dele Alake, I have known him as a steady hand, a forthright, upright, loyal, and committed ally,” Tinubu said.
“He is straight and unequivocal. You always know where he stands on issues.”
Tinubu congratulated Alake on attaining the age of 70, saying he was joining the “Club of Septuagenarians,” while extending his greetings to the minister’s family, friends and associates.
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The President praised Alake’s contributions to journalism, recalling his role as a frontline journalist and editor who used his profession to challenge social and political ills in Nigeria.
“In journalism, where he devoted most of his professional working life, he excelled beyond measure as a frontline journalist and editor. He courageously used his pen to confront the ills and malaise that plagued our country,” Tinubu said.
He also recalled Alake’s role during the military era, describing him as a journalist who stood against dictatorship, human rights abuses and the denial of democratic governance.
“During Nigeria’s darkest hours under military rule, he was a journalist of conscience who fought on the front lines against dictatorship and abuse of human rights, and for the restoration of democratic governance,” he said.
Tinubu further highlighted Alake’s eight-year tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, saying his contribution helped redefine government communication and political strategy.
According to the President, Alake’s “creative and enterprising spirit” enabled him to succeed in different areas of public service, including his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
“It is no wonder that his work as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals continues to draw local and global admiration, earning the trust of his colleagues across the continent as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG),” Tinubu said.
The President described Alake as his “confidante, brother, and buddy” and prayed for more years of good health for the minister as he continues his service to the country.
“On his 70th birthday celebration, my prayer for Dele is that the Almighty grant him more years in good health as he continues his service to God, country, and humanity in general,” Tinubu said.
“Happy birthday and many happy returns to my confidante, brother, and buddy.”
