Abuja, Nigeria — Former governor of Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria and current senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, has praised Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a major influence on his approach to governance and leadership.
Daniel made the remarks on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, during a public presentation of four books held to commemorate his 70th birthday. The ceremony took place at the Yar’Adua Centre and was attended by prominent political leaders, including former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking at the event, Daniel credited Tinubu’s leadership style and intellectual capacity for shaping many of the ideas implemented during his tenure as governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011.
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.”
Okay News reports that the ceremony also served as a reflection on Daniel’s political journey and the ideas that influenced his years in public service.
President Tinubu, represented at the event by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described Daniel as a longstanding ally and commended his contributions to governance and national development.
“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 said in a message delivered by Edun.
Tinubu also highlighted Daniel’s background in engineering and business, pointing to his role in founding Kresta Laurel, a Nigerian engineering company involved in elevator installation and maintenance. He said the company’s growth reflected Daniel’s entrepreneurial skills and determination.
The president further noted that Daniel carried his vision into public office after assuming office as governor in 2003, focusing on industrialisation, infrastructure development, education reforms and public private partnerships. Tinubu added that Daniel initiated the first agro allied cargo airport in Ogun State and established Tai Solarin University of Education.
Beyond personal reflections, Daniel used the occasion to discuss national challenges, including misinformation, corruption and declining ethical standards in public service.
“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,” he said.
On corruption, Daniel suggested structural measures to recover illicit financial flows.
“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 said.
He also called for a return to ethical leadership anchored on the Omoluabi ethos, which emphasises integrity, accountability and moral uprightness. Addressing security, Daniel supported discussions around state policing but urged safeguards to prevent abuse, including the establishment of State Police Councils.
The event featured the unveiling of four books titled “Daniel in the Lions’ Den,” “My March through the Courts,” “Path to Justice,” and “Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time,” highlighting his life, career and contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
