The newly appointed Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that he chose his portfolio.
Alake made this statement while responding to questions from pressmen at the Presidential Banquet Hall immediately after his swearing-in, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The 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.
He stated, “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.”
Alake had served as the Information and Strategy Commissioner in Lagos from 1999 to 2007 under the Bola Tinubu administration in the state.
He was also previously appointed Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy to the President, Bola Tinubu.
