In my several decades of very close relationship with Dele Alake @AlakeDele, I have known him as a steady hand, a forthright, upright, loyal, and committed ally.   He is straight and unequivocal. You always know where he stands on issues.   On the occasion of his 70th birthday today, October 6, I rejoice with him, his immediate family, friends, and associates. I celebrate with him for the grace of joining the Club of Septuagenarians.    In his professional and public service life, Dele has built a reputation for hard work, excellence, and an unquenchable thirst for delivering results. At the heart of all his human endeavours is the quest for equity and social justice.   In journalism, where he devoted most of his professional working life, he excelled beyond measure as a frontline journalist and editor. He courageously used his pen to confront the ills and malaise that plagued our country.   During Nigeria's darkest hours under military rule, he was a journalist of conscience who fought on the front lines against dictatorship and abuse of human rights, and for the restoration of democratic governance.   In public service, his creative and enterprising spirit served him well as my Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State for 8 years. He redefined government information management and became a clear example of political strategy and public communication.   In unfamiliar and uncharted territories, Dele has an inexhaustible capacity to function and deliver results effectively. It is no wonder that his work as Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals continues to draw local and global admiration, earning the trust of his colleagues across the continent as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).   On his 70th birthday celebration, my prayer for Dele is that the Almighty grant him more years in good health as he continues his service to God, country, and humanity in general.   Happy birthday and many happy returns to my confidante, brother, and buddy. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria October 5, 2026