The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on northern elites to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the administration’s transformative policies aimed at national development.
Dr. Alake made the appeal during his acceptance speech upon receiving the award for Most Impactful Minister of the current administration, conferred by the Arewa Think Tank. The ceremony, held yesterday, was attended by dignitaries including Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Retired General Martin Luther Agwai, former Kaduna Governor Ramalan Yero, and Presidential Adviser Sunday Dare.
According to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Dr. Alake attributed the strides made in the solid minerals sector to President Tinubu’s collaborative governance style. He highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of Mining Marshals—achieved through joint efforts with the Ministries of Interior and Defence—and successful international marketing of Nigeria’s mining sector in partnership with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Dr. Alake underscored that the success of his ministry, like others, is a testament to inter-ministerial collaboration, reflecting the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s vision.
Tinubu’s Legacy in Governance
Reflecting on President Tinubu’s track record, Dr. Alake detailed achievements from his tenure as Lagos State Governor (1999–2007). He praised Tinubu’s financial acumen and long-term strategic planning, which reshaped Lagos into a thriving economic hub.
“His 25-year projection for Lagos State has yielded remarkable success, establishing a template for sustainable economic growth,” Alake said. “If Lagos is thriving today, Nigeria under his leadership is poised to achieve even greater heights.”
Dr. Alake acknowledged the current economic challenges Nigerians face, describing them as necessary sacrifices for long-term national progress. He likened the reforms to steps taken by developed nations, where citizens made similar sacrifices for future prosperity.
Tackling Subsidy Profiteering
The Minister commended President Tinubu’s decisive actions to dismantle the fuel subsidy regime, which had been exploited by smugglers and profiteers. He highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce fuel costs, including the recent resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
“These measures demonstrate his commitment to ensuring the well-being of Nigerians, even at great political and economic cost,” he said.
Calls for Agricultural Prioritization
The event’s chairman, Retired General Martin Luther Agwai, urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize agriculture as a buffer against climate change and insecurity. Similarly, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani emphasized his administration’s progress in enhancing farmers’ livelihoods through impactful agricultural policies.
Speaking in Hausa, Chief Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, reaffirmed the administration’s achievements and appealed for nationwide support to drive its success.
The event concluded with a call for unity and collective effort to advance the nation’s development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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