TheCable

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, says he was assigned the portfolio by President Bola Tinubu because of the sector’s important role in economic renewal.

The minister spoke to journalists after the inauguration ceremony in Abuja on Monday.

Alake, who was the special adviser to the president on special duties, communication, and strategy before his ministerial appointment, said he specifically requested to be given the portfolio.

This, he said, was contrary to the general perception that he would be given a particular portfolio.

“I heard about that matter since the beginning of this administration when I was given the position of special adviser on special duties, communication and strategy,” the minister said.

“The ministry of solid minerals development as you know is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal.

“The administration is ready to give a new lease of life to the sector.

“So, that position was one that I specifically asked Mr. President to give me and he obliged.

“The ministry is key to the administration and the president wanted someone that he trusted and believed would deliver effectively.”

During the inauguration earlier on Monday, the president urged the newly appointed ministers to serve the country with ‘integrity, dignity and deliver’ in their different assignments.

Meanwhile, out of the list of 48 ministerial nominees sent to the senate for screening and confirmation, only 45 were cleared and inaugurated as ministers-designate at the presidential villa, Abuja.