Tinubu Celebrates Dele Alake at 70, Praises His Loyalty and Public Service

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a loyal and committed ally whose career has been defined by hard work, integrity and a strong commitment to public service.

Alake, a veteran journalist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, clocks 70 on Tuesday, October 6.

In a birthday tribute issued by the State House, Tinubu reflected on his decades-long relationship with the minister, describing him as “a steady hand, a forthright, upright, loyal, and committed ally.” The President said Alake was someone whose position on issues was rarely difficult to understand, noting that he had always been direct and unequivocal in expressing his views.

Tinubu also praised Alake’s professional career, particularly his years in journalism, where he said the minister used his platform to challenge social ills and speak out against injustice. According to the President, Alake remained a journalist of conscience during Nigeria’s years of military rule, using his voice to oppose dictatorship, human rights abuses and the denial of democratic freedoms.

Beyond journalism, Tinubu highlighted Alake’s time in government, particularly his eight-year tenure as Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

He credited the minister with bringing creativity and innovation to government communication and information management, while also becoming an important figure in political strategy and public communication.

Tinubu said Alake had shown the ability to adapt and deliver results even when faced with unfamiliar challenges, a quality he said had also been evident in his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

The President noted that Alake’s work in the mining sector had attracted attention both within Nigeria and internationally, while his leadership as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group had earned him the confidence of colleagues across the continent.

Tinubu said the minister’s pursuit of equity and social justice had remained a central part of his professional and public life.

As Alake joins the ranks of septuagenarians, the President wished him more years in good health and continued service to the country and humanity.

Tinubu described the minister as his “confidante, brother, and buddy” and prayed for many more years and happy returns.