By Adegbaju Temitope 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday, describing the veteran journalist and public servant as a loyal ally, forthright professional and committed servant of Nigeria.

In a tribute issued on Monday ahead of Alake’s 70th birthday on Tuesday, October 6, President Tinubu said his several decades of close relationship with the minister had convinced him of his steadiness, uprightness and commitment to delivering results.

Tinubu said Alake had consistently been direct and unequivocal in his dealings, adding that his positions on issues were rarely ambiguous.

“Throughout 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,” the President said.

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

The President congratulated Alake on attaining the age of 70, joining his family, friends and associates in celebrating what he described as the grace of becoming a septuagenarian.

Tinubu also reflected on Alake’s professional career, particularly his years in journalism, where he spent most of his working life.

He described Alake as a frontline journalist and editor who used his profession to confront the social and political challenges facing Nigeria, particularly during the years of military rule.

According to the President, Alake was among journalists who stood against dictatorship, human rights abuses and the denial of democratic governance during one of Nigeria’s most difficult political periods.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President said Alake’s commitment to equity and social justice remained central to his professional and public service career.

He recalled Alake’s eight-year tenure as his Commissioner for Information and Strategy when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, saying the minister’s creativity and enterprising spirit helped him redefine government information management and public communication.

Tinubu described Alake’s experience in public service as evidence of his ability to operate effectively even in unfamiliar areas, citing his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

He also noted Alake’s leadership of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), describing it as another dimension of his current engagement in the development of Africa’s mineral resources.

“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,” the President said.

Tinubu prayed that God would grant the minister more years in good health as he continues his service to God, Nigeria and humanity.

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