By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated his long-time associate and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a “steady hand,” forthright, upright, loyal and committed ally.
Tinubu, in a birthday message he personally signed on Monday, October 5, 2026, said his several decades of close relationship with Alake had shown him to be a person who is “straight and unequivocal,” adding that one always knows where he stands on issues.
The President congratulated Alake, his immediate family, friends and associates on the milestone, celebrating his entry into the “Club of Septuagenarians.”
He said Alake had built a reputation for hard work, excellence and an “unquenchable thirst for delivering results” throughout his professional and public service career, noting that the pursuit of equity and social justice remained central to his endeavours.
According to Tinubu, Alake excelled as a frontline journalist and editor, where he spent most of his professional career, courageously using his pen to confront the challenges and social ills confronting the country.
He particularly commended Alake’s role during the years of military rule, describing him as a “journalist of conscience” who fought against dictatorship and human rights abuses and advocated the restoration of democratic governance.
Tinubu also recalled Alake’s eight-year tenure as his Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, saying his creative and enterprising spirit helped him redefine government information management while becoming a model of political strategy and public communication.
The President further praised Alake’s capacity to perform and deliver results in unfamiliar and challenging areas, citing his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals Development as evidence of his versatility and commitment to public service.
He noted that Alake’s work in the solid minerals sector had continued to attract local and international admiration, while his colleagues across Africa had entrusted him with the chairmanship of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).
Tinubu prayed that Almighty God would grǰant Alake 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 said.
