The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says President Bola Tinubu assigned him the portfolio because of the sensitive position of the sector to economic renewal.

Mr Alake disclosed this on Monday while briefing reporters after the inauguration of 45 new ministers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister said he specifically asked the president to assign the ministry to him contrary to the general perception that he would be given a particular portfolio.

‘’The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as you know, is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal,” said Mr Alake. “So, that position was one that I specifically asked Mr President to give me, and he obliged.”

Mr Alake said the much talked about portfolio speculated for him was not necessarily tailored for only him.

He expressed readiness to hit the ground running as the minister of solid minerals.

“The ministry is key to the administration, and the president wanted someone that he trusts and believes would deliver effectively,’’ Mr Alake said.

Before the president assigned portfolios to his ministers designate, there were speculations that Mr Alake would be assigned to information and communication-related ministry. 

(NAN)