Former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has attributed much of his administration’s achievements to the influence of President Bola Tinubu, describing the Nigerian leader as a major source of inspiration and practical governance ideas.
Daniel spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at an event organised to celebrate his 70th birthday, which also featured the unveiling of four books chronicling his life and career.
The gathering, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, attracted several high-profile figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
During his remarks, Daniel commended Tinubu’s leadership approach, pointing to his pragmatic style and depth of intellect as key qualities that shaped his own time in office.
He said, “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains one of the most pragmatic human beings that I have ever come across. Nigeria is yet to see the best of him.
Mr President is a textbook in governance and creative intelligence that many of us read from.
“I owe the modest success of our administration as the Governor of Ogun State to his insight and creative geniuses; there are quite a lot of his governance initiatives that we copied from while I was Governor.”
His comments set the tone for the occasion, which combined a celebration of his milestone birthday with reflections on his years in public service and the ideas that guided his administration.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described Daniel as a close associate and dependable ally, while acknowledging his contributions to national development.
He said, “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 further highlighted Daniel’s accomplishments across different sectors, noting his entrepreneurial success with Kresta Laurel as evidence of his business acumen.
He said, “The enviable heights the company has attained at present should not be surprising given Otunba’s business acumen, hunger for success and determination.
Kresta has handled major engineering projects and has become a leader in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria.”
Reflecting on Daniel’s time as governor, Tinubu noted that he applied similar vision and drive in public office after assuming leadership in 2003, with a focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, education and partnerships with the private sector.
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He added, “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.”
Beyond the tributes, Daniel used the platform to speak on pressing national concerns, including misinformation, corruption and declining ethical standards in governance.
He said, “One of the critical issues that has arrested and held down Nigerian society is the lack of credible information. Political decisions are frequently taken from warped viewpoints.”
On the issue of corruption, he advocated structural measures to address illicit financial flows, noting, “A significant portion of corrupt proceeds passes through our banking system.
Government could consider offering a well-structured moratorium or amnesty on the repatriation of such illicit funds.”
He also called for a renewed commitment to ethical leadership based on the “Omoluabi ethos,” emphasising integrity, accountability and moral discipline as key to national progress.
Addressing security challenges, Daniel expressed support for the ongoing conversation around state policing, while recommending safeguards to prevent abuse and suggesting the establishment of State Police Councils to ensure proper oversight.
The event concluded with the unveiling of four books—“Daniel in the Lions’ Den,” “My March through the Courts,” “Path to Justice,” and “Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time”—highlighting his personal journey, professional accomplishments and lasting contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.