President Tinubu and Pastor Adeboye Laud Senator Gbenga Daniel on His 70th Birthday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, have extended heartfelt tributes to Senator Gbenga Daniel as he celebrated his 70th birthday on April 6, 2026. The accolades were delivered during a special thanksgiving church service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle in Sagamu, Ogun State, highlighting Daniel's multifaceted achievements in engineering, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Tinubu's Commendation of a Distinguished Career
In a congratulatory message read by Yemi Shodimu, a former aide to Daniel, President Tinubu described the senator as a distinguished engineer, accomplished entrepreneur, and steadfast political ally. He emphasized Daniel's rise through diligence, resilience, and courage, which has earned him a reputation for excellence across both the private and public sectors.
Tinubu recalled Daniel's founding of the electro-mechanical engineering firm, Kresta Laurel, in 1990, which has grown into a leading company in Nigeria's engineering space, particularly in elevator installation and maintenance. He praised Daniel's tenure as governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, noting its transformative focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, education, and public-private partnerships. Key legacy projects from his administration include the initiation of the state's first agro-allied cargo airport and the establishment of the Tai Solarin University of Education.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Tinubu highlighted Daniel's pivotal role in his political journey, especially during the build-up to his election as Lagos State governor in 1999. He stated, "OGD worked closely with me and others to ensure my election victory, a successful inauguration, and a seamless transition." Tinubu also acknowledged Daniel's political trajectory, from the Alliance for Democracy to the Peoples Democratic Party and back to the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing him as a committed progressive and respected leader within the party.
Adeboye's Praise for a Faithful Leader
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, in his remarks, lauded Daniel's legacies during his tenure as governor of Ogun State. He described Daniel as exceptional among the state's governors, emphasizing that no promise he made was left unfulfilled. Adeboye, who altered his plans to attend the thanksgiving service, praised Daniel as a "true Omoluabi" who never played politics with religious matters.
Adeboye expressed high esteem for Daniel, noting that he and his family, along with the entire RCCG, hold the senator in great regard. In his exhortation based on Psalm 90:12, he urged attendees to focus on the quality of life rather than its length, underscoring the importance of living a purposeful and godly existence.
Service Highlights and Attendees
The thanksgiving service featured a Bible reading by Daniel from Philippians 4:8, which encourages dwelling on things that are true, honest, and aligned with God's word. The event was attended by notable figures, including:
- Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, representing Governor Dapo Abiodun
- Chief Bola Obasanjo, representing former President Olusegun Obasanjo
- Former deputy governor Salmot Makajuola Badru
- Ambassador Tokunboh Awolowo and Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola
- Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga
- Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja
- Renowned industrialist Chief Solomon Onafowokan
- Bishop Fasina Fape
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu extended warm regards to Daniel's wife, Olufunke, and the entire family, praying for enduring grace and happiness. He concluded, "Happy birthday, Otunba Daniel. Happy birthday, OGD," celebrating a life marked by significant contributions to Nigeria's development.
