Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has clarified the situation regarding the portfolio he was assigned.
Responding to question from pressmen at the Presidential Banquet Hall immediately after his swearing-in, Mr. Alake, a veteran journalist and editor, said, “I chose the portfolio, and Mr. President kindly agreed,” referring to the surprise that followed his non-deployment to the Information Ministry, as widely expected.
Given his professional background and previous experience in the public sector, Alake admitted the surprise. The future economic prosperity of the nation, he clarified, would be fueled by solid minerals rather than petroleum resources.
“It’s as if people have pigeonholed me, but through no fault of theirs.”
When questioned about his readiness to lead the Solid Minerals Ministry, Alake joyfully said, “Of course… I chose it.”
Recall that Alake served as the Information and Strategy Commissioner in Lagos from 1999 to 2007 under the Tinubu administration in the state. He had previously been appointed Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy by the President.
There has been widespread speculation suggesting brewing tension between him and the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, which allegedly led to his removal from an Aso Villa appointment and his non-deployment to the Information Ministry.
