South-West Rising: Dele Alake Charts a Golden Path Through Mining Reforms and Regional Unity

The city of Akure, Ondo State, came alive again on Friday as the South-West Stakeholders Summit entered its second day, drawing governors, traditional rulers, ministers, and thought leaders from across the Yoruba region and beyond. The event, hosted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, marked a renewed commitment to the South-West Development Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.

At the heart of the conference was Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, who presented a compelling account of how mining reforms are transforming the economy and positioning the South-West as a powerhouse in national growth.

In his address titled “The South-West and the Reforms in the Mining Sector,” Dr. Alake described the occasion as historic, tying it to the ideals of social justice and unity enshrined in Nigeria’s national anthem. He reminded the audience that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu continues the unfulfilled promise of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s “Farewell to Poverty” manifesto — a mission to create a nation where prosperity is shared and no citizen is oppressed.

“All of us in the Federal Executive Council are privileged to be led by a man of vision — a workaholic who thinks on his feet, a financial genius, and a political titan whose grasp of governance logistics has no equal,” Alake said, to applause.

The minister explained that his ministry’s Seven-Point Agenda has been designed to sanitize and reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for global competitiveness, integrating integrity, accountability, and inclusiveness into every layer of policy.

According to him, since assuming office, he has spearheaded sweeping reforms that have turned the once chaotic mining sector into a disciplined, revenue-generating enterprise. A key achievement is the creation of the Mining Marshals, a security collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, led by Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, which has reclaimed over 90 illegally occupied mining sites and prosecuted more than 300 violators.

He revealed that the sector’s revenue has grown remarkably — from ₦8.6 billion in 2022 to ₦38 billion in 2024, with ₦30 billion recorded between January and September 2025 alone. Impressively, the South-West region contributed ₦7.2 billion, making it the highest contributor to federal mining revenue.

Dr. Alake noted that the South-West is richly blessed with mineral deposits — including gold, lithium, limestone, feldspar, kaolin, granite, and gemstones — and that the region holds 1,801 of Nigeria’s 9,592 mineral titles, led by Ogun (481), Oyo (440), and Osun (374).

He mentioned  Segilola Gold Projecta shining example of this success; It is the Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mine, which declared a $193 million turnover in 2024 and employs over 2,000 workers, 80 percent of whom are youths. “Segilola’s achievement is proof that Nigerians can lead world-class operations,” Alake said, commending Segun Lawson, the project’s CEO.

However, to ensure mining directly benefits citizens, the ministry has intensified the implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) — legal contracts binding mining companies to invest in host communities. “In just two years, 45 new CDAs have been signed in the South-West — doubling what was achieved in the last 15 years,” Alake noted proudly.

The government has also approved 46 mineral buying centers and 369 cooperatives across the region, empowering over 5,700 local miners. Alake explained that these cooperatives represent a “non-kinetic” approach to curbing illegal mining by replacing desperation with opportunity.

On the global stage, Dr. Alake has emerged as a leading voice for sustainable mining and industrialization. As pioneer Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), he has championed the campaign for value addition — ensuring that African nations process their raw minerals locally to create jobs, skills, and export revenue.

This strategy, he said, has already attracted over $1.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), including projects such as Africa’s largest rare earth processing plant and multiple lithium refineries. “Our past is a story already told,” Alake concluded. “Our future shall be written in gold.”

The Akure summit was not merely about mining — it was a reflection of Yoruba unity and leadership in national affairs. Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu moved the crowd with a powerful oration that blended theology, history, and orature, reminding the gathering that cultural pride and moral renewal must guide economic progress.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, also addressed the summit, commending the Armed Forces for their sacrifice in keeping the nation secure. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, praised for his attentiveness and humility, sat through both days of deliberations, demonstrating a deep commitment to regional progress.

There was thunderous applause when participants learned that the federal government had released funds to mobilize contractors for the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa and Ilesa–Akure–Owo–Benin highways, projects long awaited by residents of the South-West.

Since Thursday, the summit has gained remarkable traction online. Across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp, hashtags such as #SouthWestSummit, #DeleAlake, and #RenewedHopeAgenda have trended regionally. Photos and videos from Akure have garnered thousands of likes and shares, with many citizens lauding the focus on mining reforms, Yoruba unity, and sustainable regional development.

Observers have also highlighted the symbolism of Akure as a meeting point for progress — where faith, policy, and people’s aspirations converge under one vision of prosperity.

As the curtains fall on the South-West Stakeholders Summit, one message resounds clearly: the region is ready to lead Nigeria’s journey toward renewal. From the bustling energy of Akure to the mining sites of Osun and the factories of Ogun, a new economic map is being drawn — powered by integrity, innovation, and inclusion.

With leaders like Dr. Dele Alake driving reform and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda guiding policy, the South-West stands tall once again — reclaiming its legacy as the Gateway of Nigeria’s prosperity.