The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday.

Oyebanji described Alake as “a distinguished son of Ekiti who has made the state proud over the years through sundry contributions to national development.”

The governor, in a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, noted that “Mr Alake has contributed immensely to the delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda for national development with his demonstrated commitment to boosting non-oil revenue.

“The minister has proved his mettle and made a great impact as an exceptional journalist and communicator with immense intellectual acumen, using his professional platform for the protection of human rights and advancement of democracy”.

The governor said Alake was one of the heroes of the restoration of democracy in the country through his robust advocacy in the media at great risk to his life during the days of military rule.

He hailed the celebrant’s trajectory as a reporter, editor, media manager, administrator and public servant, with a remarkable record as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State and Special Adviser on Communication to the President before his appointment as minister.

The governor said, “Ekiti will always be proud of the minister for positively projecting the image of the state and contributing to its growth and development”.

He prayed that God would grant the minister long life, sound health and the grace to continue making an impact in his service to the country and humanity.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate my dear brother, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, as he turns 70 today. We wish him a happy birthday and pray that God continues to sustain him with good health and wisdom to continue serving our dear country with greater distinction,” the governor stated.