President Bola Tinubu has described the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, as one always straight and unequivocal.
Tinubu noted this as he celebrates Alake on his 70th birthday, noting that he was as a loyal ally, thoroughbred professional and journalist of conscience.
Tinubu, in a tribute issued on Monday, said his several decades of close relationship with Alake had shown him to be a dependable and principled associate.
“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.”
Tinubu rejoiced with Alake, his immediate family, friends and associates as he joined the septuagenarian club.
“On the occasion of his 70th birthday on October 6, I rejoice with him, his immediate family, friends, and associates.
“I celebrate with him for the grace of joining the Club of Septuagenarians.”
The President said Alake had built a reputation for hard work, excellence and an unquenchable thirst for delivering results throughout his professional and public service career.
Tinubu said Alake excelled as a frontline journalist and editor, courageously using his pen to confront the ills and challenges confronting the country.
“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.”
The President said Alake also distinguished himself as Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy for eight years.
Tinubu hailed Alake’s inexhaustible capacity to function effectively and deliver results, even in unfamiliar and uncharted territories.
He said Alake’s work as Minister of Solid Minerals Development continued to attract local and global admiration.
Tinubu also commended Alake’s leadership as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, saying he had earned the trust of colleagues across the continent.
The President prayed that God would grant him more years in good health as he continued his service to God, country and humanity.
