During the African Leadership Public Service Excellence Awards, held at the Proshansky Auditorium of the City University of New York amid the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, received distinguished recognition for his exceptional impact.
Organized by Africa Leadership Magazine, this esteemed ceremony celebrates trailblazers who have significantly advanced governance, reform, and public service across the African continent.
Dr. Alake earned the African Leadership Public Service Excellence Award in acknowledgment of his transformative leadership in revitalizing Nigeria’s mining sector and spearheading critical reforms.
According to his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, the accolade was presented by Honourable Dr. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, during the event held on Wednesday.
In a remarkable show of appreciation, the South Carolina House of Representatives also conferred upon Dr. Alake a Certificate of Recognition, honoring his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Endorsed by Speaker G. Murrell Smith Jr. and Clerk Charles Reid on September 24, 2025, the certificate highlighted Dr. Alake’s extensive background as a journalist, media strategist, and public official. It expressed the legislature’s gratitude for his influential contributions to Nigerian politics and extended best wishes for his ongoing initiatives.
Hon. Aaron T. Manaigo, former Republican State Senator from New York, paid tribute to Dr. Alake’s remarkable career spanning over forty years.
Beginning his journey as a journalist, columnist, and editor, Dr. Alake later transitioned into public service, serving as Information Adviser to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola during the pivotal 1993 presidential campaign. He was a key figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and played an instrumental role in founding the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). His public service trajectory continued as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to then-Governor Bola Tinubu in Lagos State, culminating in his current appointment as Minister of Solid Minerals Development under President Tinubu’s administration.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Alake conveyed deep appreciation to the award organizers and the South Carolina House of Representatives. He affirmed that this honor would reinforce his dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance. Highlighting recent initiatives, he referenced the introduction of Mining Marshals and satellite monitoring systems to tackle illegal mining. He also mentioned the revocation of inactive mining licenses to prevent speculative hoarding and the digital transformation of mining operations aimed at boosting transparency and attracting investors.
Dr. Alake emphasized the government’s focus on value addition, underscoring Nigeria’s strategic shift from exporting unprocessed minerals to fostering local processing and manufacturing industries. This approach is designed to create jobs, enhance skill development, and empower regional economies. He recalled advocating for this vision at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh in January 2024, which led to the creation of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), where he serves as the founding chairman.
Addressing international investors, Dr. Alake highlighted the vast opportunities within Africa’s solid minerals sector. He urged stakeholders to invest strategically in the continent’s mineral wealth to drive economic expansion and foster sustainable livelihoods for African communities.
This accolade further solidifies Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly as a leader in pioneering reforms and innovation within key economic sectors.