Tinubu hails Alake at 70, praises his courage, excellence

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, as a hardworking and result-driven public servant, describing him as a courageous journalist who fought dictatorship and defended human rights.

Tinubu said Alake had built a reputation for “hard work, excellence, and an unquenchable thirst for delivering results” throughout his professional and public service career.

The President stated this in a birthday message on Monday to mark Alake’s 70th birthday, which falls on October 6.

He said equity and social justice had remained at the heart of Alake’s endeavours.

Tinubu said, “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.”

The President recalled Alake’s role during the military era, saying the minister was a journalist of conscience who stood against dictatorship and human rights abuses.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President also recalled working with Alake during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, describing his eight years as Commissioner for Information and Strategy as a period of innovation in government communication.

“In public service, his creative and enterprising spirit served him well as my Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State for eight years.

“He redefined government information management and became a clear example of political strategy and public communication,” he said.

Tinubu said Alake had demonstrated an ability to perform effectively even in unfamiliar and challenging areas.

“In unfamiliar and uncharted territories, Dele has an inexhaustible capacity to function and deliver results effectively,” he said.

The President attributed Alake’s achievements in the solid minerals sector to the confidence he had earned locally and internationally.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on their longstanding relationship, Tinubu described Alake as a “steady hand, a forthright, upright, loyal, and committed ally.”

He added, “He is straight and unequivocal. You always know where he stands on issues.”

The President congratulated Alake, his family, friends and associates on his 70th birthday and prayed for more years in good health.

He said, “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.”

“Happy birthday and many happy returns to my confidante, brother, and buddy.”