Tinubu hails Alake as loyal ally, ‘journalist of conscience’ on 70th birthday
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his long-time associate and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on the occasion of Alake’s 70th birthday.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, Tinubu described Alake as “a steady hand, a forthright, upright, loyal, and committed ally,” adding that “he is straight and unequivocal. You always know where he stands on issues.”
The president said he rejoiced with Alake, his family, friends and associates “for the grace of joining the Club of Septuagenarians.”
He highlighted Alake’s professional reputation for “hard work, excellence, and an unquenchable thirst for delivering results,” noting that “at the heart of all his human endeavours is the quest for equity and social justice.”
Tinubu recalled Alake’s earlier career in journalism, where he “excelled beyond measure as a frontline journalist and editor” and “courageously used his pen to confront the ills and malaise that plagued our country.”
During Nigeria’s military era, the president said, Alake 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.”
The tribute also covered Alake’s eight years as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State under Tinubu’s governorship, during which he “redefined government information management.”
Tinubu praised Alake’s current performance as minister, saying his work “continues to draw local and global admiration” and that he has earned the trust of colleagues as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
Tinubu closed by praying that “the Almighty grant him more years in good health as he continues his service to God, country, and humanity in general,” addressing Alake as “my confidante, brother, and buddy.”
Dele Alake is a veteran Nigerian journalist-turned-politician and a key member of Tinubu’s political circle for decades.
He served as a senior media and strategy aide during Tinubu’s time as Lagos governor before being appointed Minister of Solid Minerals Development in the current administration.
His elevation reflects the continuity of a long-standing alliance that began in the struggle against military rule and continued through successive political roles
