NEW YORK, United States – 25 September 2025
Dr Henry Dele Alake, Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been recognised with the African Leadership Public Service Excellence Award for Solid Minerals Development and Sectoral Reform by African Leadership Magazine. The award was presented during the Global Power Forum (GPF) 2025, held at the City University of New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The award honours outstanding public service leaders whose work has transformed governance and advanced Africa’s development agenda. Dr Alake was recognised for his bold reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and his pan-African advocacy for beneficiation, value addition, and sustainable resource management.
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A seasoned journalist, media strategist, and public administrator with over four decades of service, Dr Alake has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political and communication landscape. From his early career at the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation and the Concord Press to his pivotal role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles during the 1990s, he has consistently combined courage, vision, and strategy in public service.
Appointed as Minister of Solid Minerals Development in August 2023, Dr Alake has spearheaded transformative reforms, including the establishment of the Mining Marshals to secure mining environments, the revocation of dormant mining licences, a complete overhaul of the licensing process, and the creation of incentives to attract foreign and local investments. He has also championed the formation of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC) and promoted local beneficiation by insisting that Nigeria’s mineral resources must be refined and processed before export.
In January 2024, his leadership received continental recognition when African Ministers of Mining unanimously elected him as the Pioneer Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) during the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role has positioned him at the forefront of Africa’s collective strategy for maximising its vast mineral wealth.
The Global Power Forum (GPF), convened by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), is a premier high-level platform that unites the legacies of the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) and the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL). Held annually in New York during UNGA, it brings together Heads of State, First Ladies, policymakers, CEOs, development partners, and global change-makers to amplify voices, foster partnerships, and strengthen leadership across the Global South.
In presenting the award, African Leadership Magazine reaffirmed its mission of spotlighting leaders who drive reform, promote innovation, and advance Africa’s development. Dr Alake’s recognition underscores his pivotal role in repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as a key driver of economic growth and continental transformation.
About African Leadership Magazine
African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organisation in the UK (Company No. 07435198), is a leading pan-African publication dedicated to presenting Africa’s narrative to a global audience. Since its inception in August 2008, the magazine has played a pivotal role in shaping discourse on leadership, business, and development across the continent and beyond.
With over 16 years of operation, African Leadership Magazine has established itself as a trusted platform for African leaders in business, politics, and diplomacy. Through its global events and publications, it continues to promote Africa-led initiatives, foster international collaborations, and attract investments to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in Africa.
Media Contact:
Ehis Ayere
Phone: +44 23 9265 8276
Email: ehis@africanleadership.co.uk
Website: www.africanleadership.co.uk
