President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on his 70th milestone, describing him as a trusted ally of several decades whose character, loyalty, and commitment have remained consistent through the years.
In a personally written tribute marking Alake’s birthday, President Tinubu said the minister had distinguished himself by his capacity to deliver results, even in unfamiliar and uncharted territories.
He noted that Alake’s stewardship of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector continues to attract local and international admiration while also earning him the confidence of his peers across Africa as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).
“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.
“He is straight and unequivocal. You always know where he stands on issues,” the President said.
President Tinubu joined Alake’s immediate family, friends, and associates in celebrating the milestone, expressing gratitude for the grace of his attaining the age of 70.
The President said Dele Alake had, throughout his professional and public service career, built a reputation for hard work, excellence, and an unquenchable determination to deliver results.
He added that the pursuit of equity and social justice had remained at the heart of Alake’s endeavours over the years.
Reflecting on his career in journalism, President Tinubu said Alake excelled as a frontline journalist and editor, courageously deploying his pen against the ills and malaise that afflicted the country.
He recalled that during Nigeria’s darkest years under military rule, Alake stood as a journalist of conscience on the front lines against dictatorship and human rights abuses while championing the restoration of democratic governance.
The President also highlighted Alake’s eight years of service as his Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, saying his creative and enterprising spirit helped redefine government information management.
President Tinubu also highlighted that Alake has distinguished himself in political strategy and public communication during his years in the Lagos State Government.
“In unfamiliar and uncharted territories, Dele has an inexhaustible capacity to function and deliver results effectively. 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,” the President stated.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God would grant Alake many more years in good health as he continues his service to God, country, and humanity.
He concluded the tribute on a personal note, describing Alake as his confidante, brother, and buddy.
“Happy birthday and many happy returns to my confidante, brother, and buddy,” President Tinubu said.
