DELE ALAKE AT 70: A DANCE WITH DESTINY AND A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
By Felix Babatunde Ale, PhD
There are moments in history when a man’s life becomes a mirror through which society sees its own aspirations, struggles, and triumphs.
The 70th birthday of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, is one such moment. It is not merely a celebration of age, but a tribute to a life defined by intellect, discipline, loyalty, and an unyielding commitment to Nigeria.
From the newsroom to the corridors of power, Alake’s journey has been marked by enviable track records that inspire nostalgia and admiration. I recall with fondness his remarkable days at Concord Newspapers, particularly his glorious sojourn as Editor of Sunday Concord.
His pen was sharp, his vision clear, and his editorial courage unmatched. He was a journalist who understood that words could shape nations, and he wielded them with responsibility and brilliance.
As a younger colleague, I followed his career with keen interest.
My position as Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Ondo State later created a unique platform for me to occasionally access him more closely, especially during his historic tenure as Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It was in that period that I truly got to know Dele Alake more intimately, not just as a towering figure in journalism, but as a consummate strategist in governance. Those encounters left indelible impressions.
Dele Alake was not just a mentor; he was a role model. His intellect, discipline, and integrity stood out in an era when journalism was both a calling and a battlefield.
He embodied the very essence of professionalism, and his loyalty to truth and justice made him a pride to the profession.
His transition into public service was historic. As Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Alake redefined government communication.
He introduced strategic reforms, modernized information management, and ensured that governance was not shrouded in secrecy but communicated with clarity and purpose.
His performance was effective, historic, and transformative. It caught my fancy and deepened my admiration for his ability to blend the rigors of journalism with the demands of governance.
Dele Alake’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of loyalty and mutual respect. From their days in NADECO during the struggle against military dictatorship, to his role as Tinubu’s trusted ally in Lagos, Alake has remained steadfast.
He is one of Tinubu’s most loyalists, a man who stood by him in turbulent times and continues to serve with dedication in calmer waters. Their bond is a testament to the power of trust and shared vision in leadership.
Since assuming office as Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Alake has recorded remarkable successes.
He revoked thousands of dormant mining licenses, established a mining police force to curb illegal mining, and secured international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s mining sector.
His reforms have positioned Nigeria to harness its mineral wealth responsibly, making him one of the shining stars of the Tinubu administration.
In a sector long plagued by inefficiency and exploitation, Alake’s leadership has brought discipline, transparency, and hope.
As I celebrate him today, I do so not only as a junior colleague but as a fellow communicator.
In my role as spokesperson for the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Africa’s leading space agency, I have seen how narratives shape perception.
Dele Alake’s narrative is one of excellence and loyalty. He is a man of class, a pride in journalism, and a star in governance.
His life reminds us that destiny is not a matter of chance but of choice, and he has consistently chosen the path of integrity and service.
The words of Max Weber resonate here: “Politics is a strong and slow boring of hard boards. It takes both passion and perspective.” Alake embodies this balance, passion for Nigeria and perspective rooted in decades of experience.
Similarly, Chinua Achebe once wrote: “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” Alake’s career reflects this uncompromising integrity.
At 70, Dele Alake stands tall as a mentor, role model, patriot, and star of Nigeria’s present and future. His romance with destiny continues to inspire, and his dance with history is far from over.
I fervently pray for him: may God grant him good health, wisdom, and many more years of bountiful celebrations.
May his name be imprinted in the golden record of human history, not only as a journalist and Honourable Minister but as a man who lived with purpose and left a legacy of excellence.
Happy 70th Birthday, Honourable Minister Dele Alake. Nigeria celebrates you.
Journalism honours you.
History records you.
And destiny dances with you.
Dr Felix Babatunde Ale is a multiple merit awards winning journalist, Leading Science Writer and Communicator in Africa and Director, Media and Corporate Communication of NASRDA
