Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, left, and Goodluck Jonathan, right, as well as Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, eho represented President Bola Tinubu, and the celebrant, Gbenga Daniel at the birth anniversary
Tinubu hails Senator Gbenga Daniel at 70, lauds his legacy in engineering, business, politics
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, on his 70th birthday, describing his impactful contributions to engineering, business, and politics as an enduring source of inspiration.
The President made the remarks at a ceremony marking the 70th birthday of the representative of Ogun East Senatorial District, held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday. Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, at the event, which also featured the unveiling of four books authored by Daniel: Daniel in the Lions’ Den; My March through the Courts; Path to Justice; and Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time.
Tinubu described Daniel, popularly known by his initials OGD, as a “longtime ally and friend,” noting that his rise was a product of hard work, tenacity, and wisdom.
“I salute Otunba Daniel for his professional exploits, governance strides and political achievements. He accomplished the feats by dint of hard work, tenacity, wisdom, and courage,” Tinubu said. “Otunba has carved a niche for himself over the years. He has been in national reckoning for his rich professional career, service and contributions to Nigeria.”
The President highlighted Daniel’s transition from a successful private sector career to public service, noting that the founding of Kresta Laurel in 1990 demonstrated his business acumen and established him as a leader in Nigeria’s electro-mechanical engineering sector.
“The enviable heights the company has attained at present should not be surprising given Otunba’s business acumen, hunger for success and determination,” Tinubu said. “Kresta Laurel has handled major engineering projects and has become a leader in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria. OGD, as we fondly call him, was to replicate the success he recorded in the private sector in politics and governance.”
Tinubu added that Daniel’s election as governor of Ogun in 2003 was the icing on the cake. According to him, imbued with innovative ideas and a desire to leave a lasting legacy, the Daniel administration focused on industrialization, public-private partnerships, education, and infrastructure development.
“Part of his legacy as governor included the initiation of the first agro-allied cargo airport in the state and the establishment of Tai Solarin University of Education,” Tinubu said. “Otunba continued his contributions to the state by being elected in 2023 as Senator representing Ogun East.”
The President recalled his close relationship with Daniel in the lead-up to his own election and inauguration as governor of Lagos State in 1999, stating that Daniel worked tirelessly with the Heritage Group of Yoruba professionals to ensure his victory and a seamless transition.
Tinubu also commended Daniel’s doggedness as a progressive politician and “true Afenifere,” welcoming his return to the “progressive fold” as a frontline leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As Otunba clocks 70, I thank him, on behalf of our teeming APC members and the entire nation, for his service to Ogun State and Nigeria, and his commitment to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “I wish him many more years, good health and continued meaningful contributions to our country. I pray that his impact will continue to grow and endure. On behalf of my wife, Senator Oluremi, and family, I wish him, his wife, Olufunke, and the entire Daniel family the abiding grace of God and enduring love.”
The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, members of the National Assembly, royal fathers, and prominent statesmen.
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