Fatimah Otunsanya
President Bola Tinubu on Monday celebrated former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a distinguished engineer, entrepreneur and politician who has made significant contributions to national development.
In a statement he personally issued, Tinubu commended Daniel’s achievements in both the private and public sectors, attributing his success to “hard work, tenacity, wisdom, and courage.”
“Today, I celebrate Senator Gbenga Daniel, a renowned engineer, successful entrepreneur, prominent politician, and longtime ally and friend, on his milestone 70th birthday,” the President said.
The President also recalled their long-standing political relationship, noting that Daniel played a key role in his emergence as Lagos State governor in 1999.
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,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu noted that Daniel, popularly known as OGD, had built a reputation through his professional career and service to the country, highlighting his role as founder of Kresta Laurel, an electro-mechanical engineering firm established 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,” he stated.
Reflecting on Daniel’s political career, Tinubu said his tenure as governor of Ogun State from 2003 was marked by initiatives in industrialisation, infrastructure, education and public-private partnerships.
“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,” he said.
He further commended Daniel’s political resilience, describing him as “a progressive politician and a true Afenifere,” while noting his return to the All Progressives Congress after earlier affiliations with the Alliance for Democracy and the Peoples Democratic Party.
“As Otunba clocks 70, I thank him for his service to Ogun State and Nigeria, and his commitment to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria,” the President said.
Tinubu wished the senator good health and many more years of impactful service, praying that his contributions to the country would continue to grow.
