I specifically asked Tinubu for the position — Minister of solid minerals, Dele Alake

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has disclosed he asked President Bola Tinubu for his portfolio and that the president needed someone he trusted to handle the ministry.

He spoke on Monday while briefing newsmen after the inauguration of 45 new ministers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

NewsWireNGR reports that there have been concerns raised in some quarters about the alignment of the minister’s qualifications and his assigned portfolio.

“I heard about that matter since the beginning of this administration when I was given the position of Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy.

“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as you know is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal. The administration is ready to give a new lease of life to the sector.

‘’So, that position was one that I specifically ask Mr President to give me and he obliged. The ministry is key to the administration and the president wanted someone that he trust and believe would deliver effectively,’’ Alake said.

Henry Dele Alake is a journalist, activist, technocrat and a politician

Dele hails from Ekiti state. He was born on the 6th of October 1956. He is currently 66 years.

He was a mentee of the late MKO Abiola.

Amidst oppression and terrorization, Dele was at the forefront during the 1993 controversial election which was annulled by the then military president; General Ibrahim Babangida

Dele was commissioner for Information and Strategy to the then Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu between 1999–2007.

He was the Director of Media and Communication of The Tinubu Campaign Council supporting the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 election.

He was appointed as the presidential spokesperson after the inauguration of Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

Alake was replaced by Ajuri Ngelale and now serves as the minister of solid minerals development.