President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don pay glowing tribute to former Ogun State governor and senator wey dey represent Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, as de man reach 70 years. The President describe am as distinguished engineer, accomplished entrepreneur, and steadfast political ally. Tinubu talk say Daniel don build reputation for excellence across both private and public sectors.
For congratulatory message wey mark Daniel milestone birthday yesterday, April 6, 2026, the President celebrate am for im long-standing contributions to national development. Tinubu highlight im professional excellence, governance record, and political relevance wey no dey fade. The President goodwill message na Tunde Shodimu, Daniel former aide, read am during special thanksgiving church service at Abraham Tabernacle for Sagamu.
Tinubu recall say Daniel rise through diligence, resilience, and courage. Im talk say Daniel found electro-mechanical engineering firm, Kresta Laurel, for 1990, and the company don grow become leader for elevator installation and maintenance for Nigeria. The President praise Daniel tenure as governor of Ogun State from 2003, describe am as transformative with strong focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, education, and public-private partnerships.
Key legacy projects wey Tinubu mention include initiation of state first agro-allied cargo airport and establishment of Tai Solarin University of Education. The President also give kudos to Daniel for sustaining contributions to governance and national development as senator representing Ogun East since 2023.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Tinubu recall Daniel pivotal role for im political journey, especially during build-up to im election as Lagos State governor for 1999. The President talk say, “Today, I celebrate Senator Gbenga Daniel, a renowned engineer, successful entrepreneur, prominent politician, and longtime ally and friend, on his milestone 70th birthday on April 6, 2026.”
Tinubu acknowledge Daniel political trajectory—from Alliance for Democracy to Peoples Democratic Party and back to ruling All Progressives Congress. Im describe am as committed progressive and respected leader within the party. “As Otunba clocks 70, I thank him on behalf of our teeming party members and the entire nation for his service to Ogun State and Nigeria,” the President talk.
For im own remarks during the thanksgiving service, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, acknowledge Daniel legacy as Ogun State governor between 2003 and 2011. Adeboye talk say among Ogun State past governors, Daniel na exceptional. The religious leader stress say no promise wey Daniel make e no fulfil.
Adeboye describe the ex-governor as “true Omoluabi” wey never play politics with things of God. “People like him are rare. He does not make promises he cannot fulfil. When he does, he keeps them,” Adeboye talk. The cleric sermon from Psalm 90, verse 12, emphasise need for individuals to dey mindful of their days.
Dignitaries wey attend the Thanksgiving service include Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, wey represent Governor Dapo Abiodun; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, wey im wife Bola represent; former Ogun State Deputy Governor Salmot Makanjuola Badru, Ambassador Tokunboh Awolowo, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, former Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga, Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Rasheed Ladoja, industrialist Chief Solomon Onafowokan, and Bishop Fasina Fape.
Others wey dey there na Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Akarigbo of Remo Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Alake of Egba Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and former Abeokuta South Local Government Chairman Yanju Lipede.
For im remarks, Governor Abiodun describe Daniel as distinguished public servant with notable contributions to both public and private sectors. Abiodun, wey im deputy Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele represent, talk say Daniel don demonstrate enterprise, innovation, and leadership, adding say im tenure as governor lay foundations for growth and development.
Responding, Daniel express gratitude to God and describe im attainment of 70 years as fulfilling. The Ogun East senator note say many of im contemporaries no dey alive again. “Today is one of my happiest days,” im talk. Daniel also urge Nigerians to remain hopeful and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Daniel talk about political rivalry wey once exist between am and im successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Im talk say e go through hell under wetin im describe as im “enfant terrible successor.” Daniel talk say at centre of political differences na fact say Amosun dey hurry to become governor, adding say nothing anyone, including imself, fit do to stop im dream.
But Daniel talk say the duo don mend fences, put past political fights behind them, and now focus on working for further development of state and country at large. Im disclose this for im short remarks during im 70th birthday thanksgiving service.
Daniel appreciate large turnout of people for ceremony, talk say e happy say people come out in large numbers to reciprocate im leadership for state for over 25 years. Im declare say future of country dey very bright and call on people to continue to support purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Pastor Adeboye minister at special birthday service, describe Daniel as “quite an exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi.” Adeboye talk say, since e live for Ogun State from 1983, e fit without fear or favour disclose say Daniel don carve niche for imself as e never play politics with church.
Taking im message from Psalm 90 vs 12, Adeboye urge people to dey conscious of their sojourn for life, because dem go bound to give account of their deeds one day before their Maker. Im explain say those wey want end well after their sojourn on earth must fear God, prioritise holiness and accept Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
For im address, Governor Abiodun hail Daniel invaluable contributions to both governance and national development. Im talk say, “As governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel brought energy and purpose to governance, laying foundations that continue to support growth and development across our state.”
The governor add say Daniel don continue to serve with same passion and sense of responsibility as senator representing Ogun East, contributing meaningfully to legislation, representation and advancement of im constituents. Abiodun congratulate former governor on reaching 70-year milestone, pray say Daniel go continue to grow stronger as e continue to devote rest of im life to serving humanity.
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