Henry Dele Alake, a prominent figure in Nigerian journalism and politics, has been appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to President Tinubu. Born on October 6, 1956, in Ekiti State, Alake is currently 66 years old. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to democratic values, activism, and public service.
Alake’s journey in activism began under the mentorship of the late Chief MKO Abiola. He played a pivotal role in the controversial 1993 election, which was unfortunately annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, the then military president. Despite facing oppression and terrorization, Alake fearlessly advocated for justice and the preservation of democratic principles.
Between 1999 and 2007, Alake served as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of Lagos State. During this period, he contributed significantly to the development and growth of the state, effectively communicating the government’s policies and initiatives to the public.
Currently, Alake holds the position of Director of Media and Communication of The Tinubu Campaign Council, supporting the presidential aspirations of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2023 election.
Education played a crucial role in Alake’s path to success. He attended Surulere Baptist Primary School in Lagos for his elementary education, followed by Christ’s School Ado Ekiti for his West African School Certificate. He furthered his studies at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, where he obtained his Higher School Certificate in 1975. In the same year, he enrolled at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and later pursued a master’s degree in Mass Communications.
Alake embarked on his professional career as a journalist after completing his education. He began as a Senior Sub-Editor at the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (LSBC) after a year of national service with the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC). Over the years, he held various positions in journalism, including Current Affairs Officer, Senior Current Affairs Officer, and Principal Current Affairs Officer. Alake played a vital role in the establishment of Lagos Television (LTV 8).
In 1985, Alake transitioned to print journalism, joining the Concord Press as an editor and writer for the National Concord and Sunday Concord newspapers. He became the editor of Sunday Concord in 1989 and continued in that position until 1995. During this period, he also served as a columnist for the National Concord.
Alake’s career took a significant turn when he became Chief MKO Abiola’s Adviser on Information, contributing to his election campaign for the 1993 general election. His dedication to Abiola’s cause led to confrontations and oppression from the dictatorial regime of General Sani Abacha. Faced with immense pressure, Alake went into exile, actively engaging with other prominent figures in the National Democratic Coalition of Nigeria (NADECO), such as Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Senator Bola Tinubu, Chief John Oyegun, and Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd.).
Returning to Nigeria’s political landscape, Alake’s talents and expertise were recognized by Governor Bola Tinubu, who appointed him as his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. He later served as the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
In 2010, Alake declared his intention to contest for the senatorial seat of Ekiti Central in Ekiti State. However, due to intra-party crises within his political party at that time, he decided to withdraw from the aspiration.
In preparation for the 2015 general election, Alake was appointed as the Director of Media and Communication for the Buhari Campaign Organization, supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential ambition.
Continuing his involvement in political campaigns, Alake currently holds the position of Director of Media and Communication for The Tinubu Campaign Council, supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential aspirations in the upcoming 2023 general election.
While information about his marital life remains private, it is worth noting that one of his children, Olatunbosun Alake, serves as the Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu.
Alake’s contributions to journalism and politics have earned him several notable achievements. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, where he once served as Vice President. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the West African Union of Journalists. In 2000, he received the prestigious Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) International Gold Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to society.
Henry Dele Alake’s multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to democracy and public service have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape and political sphere. His dedication to his craft and his tireless advocacy for justice and transparency serve as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and politicians across the nation.
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