Tinubu, Abiodun, Adeboye, others hail ex-Ogun Governor Daniel at 70

“I salute Otunba Daniel for his professional exploits, govenance strides and political achievements. He accomplished the feats by dint of hard work, tenacity, wisdom, and courage.

“Otuba 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.

“He was born into a strict Christian family, with his father being a notable missionary of the Church of the Lord. Otunba was gifted a sound ethical education, which adequately prepared him for the impactful Iife he has lived thus far.

“After his educational pursuits and professional training, he founded the electro-mechanical engineering firm, Kresta Laurel, in 1990. The enviable heights the company has attained at present should not be surprising given Otunba’s business acumen, hunger for success and determination. 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. His election as governor of Ogun State in 2003 was the icing on the cake. Imbued with innovative ideas and the need to leave a lasting legacy, the Gbenga Daniel administration focused on industrialisation, 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. Otunba continued his contributions to the state by being elected in 2023 as the senator representing Ogun East.

“As a mark of the close relationship Otunba and I have built, in the build-up to my election and inauguration as governor of Lagos State in 1999, OGD worked closely with me and others to ensure my election victory, a successful inauguration, and a seamless transition. I recall that he also mobilised the Heritage Group, comprising Yoruba professionals, to support my election. I must also highlight Otunba Daniel’s political trajectory and commend his doggedness.

“OGD is a progressive politician and a true Afenifere. Though after we all worked together as members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998/’99, Otunba defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on which platform he was elected governor in 2003. However, I’m glad that he has returned to the progressive fold, and he is today a frontline leader in our governing All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Acknowledging Daniel’s political trajectory — from the AD to the PDP and back to the ruling APC — President Tinubu described him as a committed progressive and a 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 said.

He wished the former governor continued good health, longevity, and greater impact.

President Tinubu also extended warm reards to Daniel’s wife, Olufunke, and the entire family, praying for enduring grace and happiness.

“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. 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 Oturemi, and family, I wish him, his wife, Olufunke, and the entire Daniel family the abiding grace of God and enduring love,” he said.

“Happy birthday, Otunba Daniel. Happy birthday, OGD,” the President added.

In his remarks during the thanksgiving service, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged Daniel’s legacy as Ogun State governor between 2003 and 2011.

Adeboye noted that among Ogun State’s past governors, Daniel was exceptional.

The religious leader stressed that there was no promise he made that he did not fulfil.

Adenoye said he had to alter his plan to enable him attend Daniel’s 70th birthday thanksgiving service.

He described the ex-governor as a “true Omoluabi” who never played politics with the things of God.

“People like him are rare. He does not make promises he cannot fulfil. When he does, he keeps them,” Adeboye said.

Speaking on his sermon, drawn from Psalm 90, verse 12, the cleric emphasised the need for individuals to be mindful of their days.

He said wisdom begins with the fear of God, stressing that anyone who does not fear God lacks true wisdom.

Adeboye also described wisdom as the correct application of knowledge, noting that it goes beyond acquiring information.

According to him, knowledge without proper application could lead to disastrous consequences, as illustrated by the example of a motorist ignoring a warning sign.

He stressed that as individuals grow, they pursue achievements that often fail to bring lasting satisfaction.

Adeboye said true fulfilment can only be found in God, adding: “God does not count in years; He counts in days. Anyone who does not fear God is a fool. To begin to be wise, you must fear God. Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge.

“Every religion talks about it: Christianity, Islam, and even our forefathers said whatever you do will be waiting for you at the gate. Unfortunately, how soon our journey will end is not made known to us.

“We are all going to be on the path of a journey of no return, a journey of accountability. It is a compulsory journey,” he said.

Dignitaries at the Thanksgiving service included Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola; 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, renowned industrialist and Asiwajú of Remo, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, and Bishop Fasina Fape.

Others included Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and former Abeokuta South Local Government Chairman Yanju Lipede.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described Daniel as a distinguished public servant with notable contributions to both public and private sectors.

Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that Daniel has demonstrated enterprise, innovation, and leadership, adding that his tenure as governor laid the foundations for growth and development.

He said Daniel has continued to serve with passion and responsibility, contributing meaningfully to legislation and the advancement of his constituents.

Responding, Daniel expressed gratitude to God and described his attainment of 70 years as fulfilling.

The Ogun East senator noted that many of his contemporaries were no longer alive.

“I feel fulfilled, I feel happy. I feel appreciated. Today is one of my happiest days,” he said.

Daniel also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.