President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his longtime ally, good friend, and former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, on the event of his seventieth birthday.
In a birthday message issued on Monday, the President hailed the previous governor for his skilled exploits, governance strides, and political achievements.
In a 10-paragraph tribute, Tinubu said, inter alia: “At this time, I have a good time Senator Gbenga Daniel, a famend engineer, profitable entrepreneur, distinguished politician, and longtime ally and good friend, on his milestone seventieth birthday on April 6, 2026.
“I salute Otunba Daniel for his skilled exploits, governance strides and political achievements. He achieved the feats by dint of onerous work, tenacity, knowledge, and braveness.
“Otunba has carved a distinct segment for himself over time. He has been in nationwide reckoning for his wealthy skilled profession, service and contributions to Nigeria.”
Tinubu famous that Daniel was born right into a strict Christian household and acquired a sound moral upbringing that ready him for a lifetime of affect.
He highlighted Daniel’s entrepreneurial success, notably the institution of Kresta Laurel in 1990, describing the agency as a frontrunner in electro-mechanical engineering, particularly in elevator set up and upkeep in Nigeria.
The President added that Daniel replicated his non-public sector success in governance following his election as governor of Ogun State in 2003.
“Imbued with revolutionary concepts and the necessity to go away an enduring legacy, the Gbenga Daniel administration targeted on industrialisation, public-private partnerships, schooling, and infrastructure improvement,” Tinubu mentioned.
He additionally famous that Daniel’s legacy as governor consists of the initiation of the primary agro-allied cargo airport within the state and the institution of Tai Solarin College of Schooling.
Tinubu additional recalled Daniel’s function in his personal political journey, notably his help through the build-up to his election as governor of Lagos State in 1999.
“As a mark of the shut relationship Otunba and I’ve constructed, within the build-up to my election and inauguration as governor of Lagos State in 1999, OGD labored carefully with me and others to make sure my election victory, a profitable inauguration, and a seamless transition,” he mentioned.
The President additionally counseled Daniel’s political trajectory, noting his motion from the Alliance for Democracy to the Peoples Democratic Celebration, and his eventual return to the All Progressives Congress, the place he’s now a frontline chief.
“As Otunba clocks 70, I thank him, on behalf of our teeming APC members and all the nation, for his service to Ogun State and Nigeria, and his dedication to the socio-political and {economic} improvement of Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
He prayed for continued good well being and extra years of significant contributions for Daniel.
“On behalf of my spouse, Senator Oluremi, and household, I want him, his spouse, Olufunke, and all the Daniel household the abiding grace of God and enduring love.
“Glad birthday, Otunba Daniel.
“Glad birthday, OGD.”
Deji Elumoye
Times Nigeria