Information minister, dependable ally on mining sector reforms, says Alake

Minister of Solid Minerals Development. Dr. Dele Alake, on Thursday, described the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris as a worthy partner in the Tinubu administration’s objective of projecting mining sector reforms towards making solid minerals a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking while receiving Mr. Idris in his office, Alake recalled the role of his information counterpart in the struggle for the enthronement of the current administration, stating he was a formidable ally in conceptualizing media and communications strategies during and after the campaigns.

He said: “We have come a long way, and I am very happy that he is the one piloting the information apparatchik of this government. I personally have full confidence in his ability and capacity to achieve the stated objectives of the government. So, it is an honor for me today to welcome him to this critical metals’ ministry , an epithet he gave to the ministry.”

In his remarks, the information minister expressed satisfaction with the visibility brought to the mining sector by Alake, asserting that since his assumption of office, there has been a renewed, global interest in the sector.

Idris said: “I have come to respect Alake’s intellect, focus, determination, and dexterity. He is willing to pitch for things that appear even impossible, and you can see that in the way he has handled the ministry of solid minerals.

“This ministry has been there. It is not a new ministry. It is one of the oldest ministries around, but not many people know about it. Since he came here, he has managed to put solid minerals on the front burner to the extent that people are becoming extremely envious of this ministry because of the work he has done. It is not a mistake that the President brought him here. He knows he can turn things around.”

Speaking further, the information helmsman pledged his commitment to partnering with the solid minerals ministry to project ongoing reforms and draw attention of Nigerians to what he described as a very critical sector.

He stressed that achieving President Bola Tinubu’s vision of diversifying the economy through a revamped mining sector remains a unifying factor that binds both ministries together.

Dr. Alake whilst thanking Mr. Idris, for his collaborative gesture, restated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to leaving an enduring legacy of an efficient governance structure that will be the benchmark of progressive governance for successive administrations.

He said: “In every area of government, we want to leave a solid mark, and the Honourable Minister of information has been the one championing this amongst us – his colleagues. With his visit, he has shed light and put solid minerals in the public glare. It is to our mutual advantage.

“We are elated that we have your cooperation in assisting the solid minerals sector to meet its stated objective of contributing significantly to the GDP of Nigeria. We are determined to make it our nation’s next petroleum.”