Gbenga Daniel has credited President Bola Tinubu for playing a defining role in shaping his administration while in office, describing him as a source of inspiration and a model of practical governance.
Daniel made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of four books to mark his 70th birthday, an event attended by prominent political figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Daniel lauded Tinubu’s pragmatic leadership style and intellectual depth.
“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 genius; there are quite a lot of his governance initiatives that we copied from while I was Governor,” Daniel said.
Tinubu, represented at the event by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, described Daniel as a “longtime ally and friend,” praising his contributions to governance and national development.
“I salute Otunba Daniel for his professional exploits, governance strides, and political achievements. He accomplished these feats by dint of hard work, tenacity, wisdom, and courage,” Tinubu said, noting Daniel’s entrepreneurial accomplishments through the founding of Kresta Laurel, which has become a leader in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria.
Tinubu highlighted that Daniel carried the same vision into public office after becoming governor in 2003, focusing on 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 added.
Beyond personal reflections, Daniel addressed broader national issues, 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, he advocated for structural solutions, noting the impact of illicit financial flows and suggesting a well-structured moratorium or amnesty for the repatriation of such funds.
Daniel also called for a return to ethical leadership anchored on the “Omoluabi ethos,” emphasizing integrity, accountability, and moral uprightness as essential for national progress. Regarding security, he supported ongoing discussions on state policing, proposing State Police Councils to ensure accountability and prevent abuse.
The event also featured 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 honouring his life, career, and enduring impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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