Dele Alake, the newly appointed Minister of Solid Minerals on Monday resumes office, shedding light on why President Bola Tinubu takes him away from his natural information turfs where he’s renowned for his expertise and track record of note in perception and information management.
Alake revealed that contrary to public expectations, the current administration adopted an unexpected approach of allotting the sector to him so as to make the it become a major driving force to the nation’s economic growth and vitality.
Alake stated that his “portfolio has caused quite a stir within the entire cabinet due to my background, exposure, and expertise in perception and information management. Most people had pigeonholed me for the Information Ministry, so we deliberately surprised everyone.”
Alake highlighted the diminishing significance of hydrocarbons including crude oil, and the global shift towards alternative energy sources like gas and electric cars. He noted that solid minerals are poised to become the next economic growth catalyst.
He went ahead to assure all of his demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage and pledged to put these to use in driving the ministry’s agenda forward.
The new minister promised a results-oriented focus over rigid adherence to civil service protocols. As he puts it: “In my world, where I come from, you know you are in the civil service and have your rules and regulations but in my world, there are no strictures. My modus operandi is results; I really don’t care how you get me the results as long as you use legitimate means to achieve them.”
He underscored the need for staff attitudinal change, highlighting that memos reaching his desk would be addressed swiftly, regardless of subject matter. He concluded by emphasizing that “Whoever doesn’t align with this approach will have to exit.”
