Dele Alake wins prestigious African Champion Award in Australia, recognized for advancing mining, investment, and Africa’s development partnerships
Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, has been named the African Champion of the Year by the African Professionals of Australia (APA).
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The award was presented at the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum and the Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining Conference, held on September 5, 2025, at the Pan Pacific Perth, Australia.
The event drew leaders and professionals from across Africa and the diaspora to deliberate on investment and development opportunities in critical sectors of the continent’s economies.
In his keynote address, Dele Alake highlighted Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, with more than 40 commercially viable resources yet to be fully harnessed.
He emphasized the government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create the Nigeria Solid Mineral Company, modeled after successful oil and gas ventures, to attract and support foreign direct investment.
“Nigeria is the economic hub of West Africa with the youthful population to drive an emerging mining economy,” Alake stated.
“Our policies in the past two years have opened the door for investment, and this administration stands ready to provide support in data, human capital, and infrastructure.”
The minister was represented at the ceremony by Martins Imonite, Managing Director of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, who received the award and certificate of recognition on his behalf.
Presenting the honor, APA Western Australia President, Dr. Toyosi Craig, praised Dele Alake’s role in fostering technology transfer and collaboration between Africa and Australia.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries including Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, Dr. Jane Adams, and Ethiopian Ambassador to Australia, Mr. Anwar Muktar.
Other Nigerian delegates included Prof. Omoniyi Ige, Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA); Prof. S.B. Hassan, DG and CEO of the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG); and Prof. Ayeni, Special Adviser to the Minister on Marketing.
APA, known for its professional development and mentorship programs, also recognized its executives Tomide Ajala, Adewunmi Adebayo, and Bamise Ogunlowo for their roles in making the conference a success.
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With this recognition, Dele Alake cements his influence as a driving force in shaping Nigeria’s mining future and strengthening Africa’s global partnerships.
