Tinubu Hails Dele Alake at 70: A Loyal Ally, A Journalist of Conscience, A Reformist Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, on the occasion of his 70th birthday on October 6, describing him as a steady hand, a loyal ally and a reformist public servant.

In a personal tribute released on October 5, 2026, President Tinubu said his relationship with Alake spans several decades and has been defined by loyalty, uprightness and commitment.

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.

Tinubu rejoiced with Alake, his immediate family, friends and associates on his entry into the club of septuagenarians, celebrating him for grace, service and longevity.

He recalled Alake’s distinguished career in journalism where he devoted most of his professional life and excelled as a frontline journalist and editor. According to the President, Alake courageously used his pen to confront the ills that plagued the country and stood out as a journalist of conscience during Nigeria’s darkest hours under military rule, fighting against dictatorship, human rights abuse and for the restoration of democracy.

In public service, Tinubu noted that Alake’s creative and enterprising spirit served him well as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State for eight years under his administration as governor. He said Alake redefined government information management and became a reference for political strategy and public communication.

The President also praised Alake’s capacity to deliver results in unfamiliar and uncharted territories, pointing to his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals Development which he said has continued to draw local and global admiration.

He cited Alake’s election as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group as evidence of the trust his colleagues across the continent have in his leadership and reforms in the solid minerals sector.

At the heart of all his human endeavours is the quest for equity and social justice. In his professional and public service life, Dele has built a reputation for hard work, excellence, and an unquenchable thirst for delivering results, Tinubu stated.

President Tinubu prayed for more years in good health for the minister as he continues service to God, country and humanity.

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. Happy birthday and many happy returns to my confidante, brother, and buddy, the President added.

Dele Alake, a veteran journalist, strategist and long time ally of President Tinubu, turns 70 on October 6, 2026.