Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has been honoured with the title of African Champion of the Year by the African Professionals of Australia (APA), in recognition of his contributions to the mining sector and commitment to engaging the diaspora.

The award was presented during the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum on September 5, 2025, held alongside the Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining Conference in Perth. The forum brought together investors, leaders, and professionals from across Africa and the diaspora for an evening of networking and dialogue at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

APA WA President, Dr. Toyosi Craig, and APA Chairman, Mr. Tommy Adebayo, jointly presented the Certificate of Recognition and the 2025 African Professional Champion of the Year Award to Dr. Alake. Dignitaries at the event included Ambassador Anwar Muktar and Ambassador Dr. Jane Adams, Consul Generals of Ethiopia and Nigeria, respectively.

Representing the minister, Mr. Martin Imonite, Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, delivered his keynote address, where he reiterated Dr. Alake’s dedication to deepening reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and strengthening ties with African professionals worldwide.

The forum also featured a panel discussion on investment, expert recruitment, business, and emerging opportunities across Africa, underscoring the vital role of diaspora professionals in advancing the continent’s development.

Founded in 2007, APA is one of the largest African professional networks in Australia, with over 1,500 members from more than 20 African countries working across sectors such as medicine, law, IT, engineering, accounting, and education. The organisation continues to provide a platform for Africans and Australians to connect, collaborate, and drive growth.