I was overjoyed to have the chance to benefit from the vast depth of knowledge and vast experience of Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, who has over 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, when I was honored with his appointment offer in October of last year.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s name and Dr. Alake’s became a recurrent decimal in the fight to actualize the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential elections, I had been enamored with Dr. Alake.
He had made a name for himself as a well-known political strategist, public relations guru, and communications whiz who not only fueled the pro-democracy movement but also went on to become one of the main forces behind Asiwaju Tinubu’s revolutionary leadership as Lagos’ governor.
As you may recall, Dr. Alake served as Media Adviser for the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), overseeing the media and communications department. It is well known that Dr. Alake played a significant role in the presidential campaigns that resulted in President Tinubu’s ascent.
As a member of the same PCC’s Strategic Communications Directorate at the time, I had the opportunity to observe him carefully and was struck by his determination, knowledge of the topics, and immaculate intelligence when it came to breaking down the arguments for our campaign.
He has not only given me the freedom to succeed in my position but also served as a mentor who has sharpened my abilities. In less than a year, I have improved as a communications professional under his guidance.
Alake’s vision has resulted in the creation of 2,570 mining marshals who are leading the charge to secure the mining environment. Additionally, the company has revised the guidelines for Community Development Agreements (CDA), revoked mining licenses that have become dormant or have not been paid annual service fees, and launched the innovative Decision Support System (DSS), an online platform that helps investors make informed decisions about investing in Nigeria’s mining sector by simply clicking a button.
In order to support reforms with necessary statutes, efforts have moved to establish the Nigeria Mining Corporation, which is primarily driven by the private sector, and to alter the 2007 Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) in partnership with the National Assembly.
In addition, new interactions with sub-nationals have resulted in less conflicts because to his cooperative federalism concept. Respecting Alake’s vision, a number of states have submitted applications, been granted licenses, and are now able to function as Limited Liability Companies and engage in the mining industry.
I would want to thank you on this day of your 68th birthday for your continuous commitment to our nation, the President, and the solid minerals industry.
We are all inspired to support your goal of solid minerals being a major contributor to our country’s GDP by your contagious enthusiasm and passion for reforming the previously underappreciated mining sector.
“Prime Minister”—happy birthday. 68, hearty shouts. Many thanks once more, sir.
