President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his longtime ally, friend, and former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
In a birthday message issued on Monday, the President hailed the former governor for his professional exploits, governance strides, and political achievements.
In a 10-paragraph tribute, Tinubu stated, inter alia: “Today, I celebrate Senator Gbenga Daniel, a renowned engineer, successful entrepreneur, prominent politician, and longtime ally and friend, on his milestone 70th birthday on April 6, 2026.
“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 noted that Daniel was born into a strict Christian family and received a sound ethical upbringing that prepared him for a life of impact.
He highlighted Daniel’s entrepreneurial success, particularly the establishment of Kresta Laurel in 1990, describing the firm as a leader in electro-mechanical engineering, especially in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria.
The President added that Daniel replicated his private sector success in governance following his election as governor of Ogun State in 2003.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also noted that Daniel’s legacy as governor includes the initiation of the first agro-allied cargo airport in the state and the establishment of Tai Solarin University of Education.
Tinubu further recalled Daniel’s role in his own political journey, particularly his support during the build-up to his election as governor of Lagos State 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, a successful inauguration, and a seamless transition,” he said.
The President also commended Daniel’s political trajectory, noting his movement from the Alliance for Democracy to the Peoples Democratic Party, and his eventual return to the All Progressives Congress, where he is now a frontline leader.
“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,” Tinubu added.
He prayed for continued good health and more years of meaningful contributions for Daniel.
“On behalf of my wife, Senator Oluremi, and family, I wish him, his wife, Olufunke, and the entire Daniel family the abiding grace of God and enduring love.
“Happy birthday, Otunba Daniel.
“Happy birthday, OGD.”
Deji Elumoye
