Dele Alake Profile
- Full name: Dele Alake
- Date of birth: October 6, 1956
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
- State of Origin: Ekiti State
- Source of Wealth: Journalism, Politics
- Marital Status: Married
- Current office: Minister of Mines Development
Dele Alake Biography
Dele Alake, born on October 6, 1956, in Ekiti state, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian journalist, activist, technocrat, and politician. He has made significant contributions to the political landscape of the country. Alake was a mentee of the late MKO Abiola, a prominent Nigerian businessman and politician.
Education
Dele Alake received his early education at Surulere Baptist Primary School in Lagos. He then attended Christ’s School Ado Ekiti, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. Continuing his education, he pursued a Higher School Certificate at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, in 1975.
Alake furthered his academic pursuits at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He later pursued a master’s degree in Mass Communications.
Dele Alake Career
Dele Alake’s career began in journalism, where he developed his skills as a reporter and editor. He started working at the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) and later joined the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (LSBC) as a Senior Sub-Editor. Over time, he held various positions, including Current Affairs Officer and Principal Current Affairs Officer.
In 1985, Alake made a transition to print journalism by joining the Concord Press, which published the Concord Group of Newspapers, including the National Concord and Sunday Concord. He served as an editor and writer, gaining recognition for his contributions. Additionally, he became a columnist for the National Concord.
From 1989 to 1995, Alake held the position of editor at Sunday Concord. During this period, he worked closely with his mentor, Chief MKO Abiola, serving as his Adviser on Information during the 1993 general election campaign.
Alake faced oppression during the dictatorial regime of General Sanni Abacha and went into exile. He actively participated in the National Democratic Coalition of Nigeria (NADECO), collaborating with prominent figures such as Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Senator Bola Tinubu, and Chief John Oyegun in their fight for democracy and the restoration of the stolen mandate.
In 1999, Alake’s political career took off when he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu. He later served as the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, where he played a crucial role in shaping the communication strategies of the Lagos State government.
In his current political appointment, Dele Alake serves as the Minister of Mines Development, appointed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dele Alake Achievements
Throughout his career, Dele Alake has achieved notable recognition. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and has served as its vice president. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the West African Union of Journalists. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
In 2000, Alake received the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) International Gold Award, acknowledging his contributions to journalism and his advocacy for democracy and good governance.
Controversy
On August 28, 2022, Dele Alake made a remark about the presidential aspirant of the Labor Party, Peter Obi, during an interview with Vanguard Newspaper. The remark was seen as derogatory by the Labor Party, leading to a response from the party criticizing Alake’s comments. The controversy highlighted the political tensions and rivalries that often arise during election campaigns.
Dele Alake Personal Life
Dele Alake is a married man, although there is limited public information available about his wife. However, one of his children, Olatunbosun Alake, serves as the Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology to the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Dele Alake’s career trajectory, from journalism to politics, showcases his commitment to public service and his dedication to promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria. As the current Minister of Mines Development, appointed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he continues to contribute to the development of the mining sector in the country. Despite facing challenges and controversies along the way, he has left a lasting impact on the political landscape of Nigeria.
