Tinubu celebrates Gbenga Daniel @ 70, says ‘OGD is my longtime ally, friend’

President Bola Tinubu has warmly celebrated former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, marking his 70th birthday, highlighting his impactful contributions to engineering, business and political spheres as an enduring inspiration.
The President stated this in his remarks at a ceremony marking the 70th birthday anniversary of Daniel, the Senator representing Ogun East, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, at the event which featured the unveiling of four books authored by Daniel.
The books are “Daniel in the Lions’ Den; My March through the Courts; Path to Justice; and Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time.’’
He described Daniel, popularly known by his initials OGD, as a “longtime ally and friend” noted that his rise were 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.
“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,’’ Tinubu said.
The President highlighted Daniel’s transition from a successful private sector career to public service.
He noted that the founding of Kresta Laurel in 1990 demonstrated Daniel’s business acumen, establishing 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.
“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,’’ he said.
Tinubu added that the election of Daniel as governor of Ogun in 2003 was the icing on the cake.
According to him, imbued with innovative ideas and the need to leave a lasting legacy, has made the 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 Senator representing Ogun East,’’ he said.
The President recalled his close relationship with Daniel in the build-up to his election and inauguration as governor of Lagos State in 1999.
He said 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.
“ 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, Sen. Oluremi, and family, I wish him, his wife, Olufunke, and the entire Daniel family the abiding grace of God and enduring love,’’ he said.
The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, members of the National Assembly, royal fathers and prominent statesmen.