President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to former Ogun State governor and senator Gbenga Daniel as he clocks 70, describing him as a distinguished engineer, accomplished entrepreneur, and steadfast political ally.

In a congratulatory message marking Daniel’s milestone birthday on April 6, 2026, the President celebrated his long-standing contributions to national development, highlighting his professional excellence, governance record, and enduring political relevance.

The President’s Goodwill message was read on Easter Monday by Daniel’s former aide and events Compiere, Yemi Shodimu, during a Special Thanksgiving church service at Abraham’s Tabernacle Sagamu to mark Daniel’s 70th birthday.

Tinubu commended the former governor’s rise through diligence, resilience, and courage, noting that he has built a reputation for excellence across both the private and public sectors.

He recalled that Daniel founded the electro-mechanical engineering firm, Kresta Laurel, in 1990, which has since grown into a leading company in Nigeria’s engineering space, particularly in elevator installation and maintenance.

The President further praised Daniel’s tenure as governor of Ogun State from 2003, describing it as transformative, with a strong focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, education, and public-private partnerships. He cited key legacy projects, including the initiation of the state’s first agro-allied cargo airport and the establishment of the Tai Solarin University of Education.

Now, representing Ogun East in the Senate since 2023, Daniel was also commended for sustaining his contributions to governance and national development.

Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Tinubu recalled Daniel’s pivotal role in his political journey, particularly during the build-up to his election as Lagos State governor in 1999.

The President stated, “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, govenance strides, and political achievements. He accomplished the feats by dint of hard work, tenacity, wisdom, and courage.

“Otuba 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

“He was born into a strict Christian family, with his father a notable missionary of the Church of the Lord. Otunba was gifted a sound ethical education, which adequately prepared him for the impactful Iife he has lived thus far.

“After his educational pursuits and professional training, he founded the electro-mechanical engineering firm, Kresta Laurel, 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. Kresta Laurel has handled major engineering projects and has become a leader in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria.

“OGD, as we fondly call him, was to replicate the success he recorded in the private sector in politics and governance. His election as governor of Ogun State in 2003 was the icing on the cake. 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.

“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. Otunba continued his contributions to the state by being elected in 2023 as Senator representing Ogun East.

“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. I recall that he also mobilised the Heritage Group, comprising Yoruba professionals, to support my election. I must also highlight Otunba Daniel’s political trajectory and commend his doggedness.

“OGD is a progressive politician and a true Afenifere. Though, after we all worked together as members of the Alliance for Democracy in 1998/99, Otunba defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, on which platform he was elected governor in 2003. However, I’m glad that he has returned to the progressive fold, and he is today, a frontline leader in our governing All Progressives Congress.”

He noted that Daniel worked closely with him and mobilised support among Yoruba professionals to ensure a successful election and transition.

While acknowledging Daniel’s political trajectory—from the Alliance for Democracy to the Peoples Democratic Party and back to the ruling All Progressives Congress—Tinubu described him as a committed progressive and a respected leader within the party.

“As Otunba clocks 70, I thank him on behalf of our teeming party members and the entire nation for his service to Ogun State and Nigeria,” the President said, wishing him continued good health, longevity, and greater impact.

Tinubu also extended warm regards to Daniel’s wife, Olufunke, and the entire family, praying for enduring grace and happiness.

“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. I wish him many more years, good health, and continued meaningful contributions to our country. I pray that his impact will continue to grow and endure.

“On behalf of my wife, Senator Oturemi, and family, I wish him, his wife, Olufunke, and the entire Daniel family the abiding grace of God and enduring love,” he said.

“Happy birthday, Otunba Daniel. Happy birthday, OGD,” the President concluded.

Also, in his remarks earlier, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, lauded the legacies of Daniel when he held sway as Governor Ogun State between 2003 and 2011.

Adeboye said that among the governors that had governed the state, Otunba was exceptional, stressing that there was no promise he made that was left unfulfilled.

The octogenarian pastor who revealed that he had to alter his plan to enable him attend Daniel’s 70th birthday Thanksgiving service, also described the ex – Governor as a “true Omoluabi” who never played politics with the things of God.

Emphasizing how dear the Senator Daniel is to him, Adeboye said that he and his family as well as the entire RCCG hold the septuagenarian Senator in high esteem, even as he prayed that he would end well in life and politics.

In his exhortation anchored on Psalm 90 verse 12, he harped on the need for to be conscious of one’s days and years, saying what God looks at his the quality of life spent, not how long one lives.

Earlier, Daniel took the first Bible reading from Philippians 4:8 (KJV/NIV) of the Bible verse that says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” which was written by apostle Paul to Christians, instructing them to dwell on things that are true and aligned with God’s word, not lies or falsehoods.

In attendance at the Thanksgiving service were the Deputy Governor Noimot Salako – Oyedele who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo represented by his wife, Chief Bola Obasanjo, ex – deputy governor Salmot Makajuola Badru, Ambassador Tokunboh Awolowo, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, renowned industrialist and Asiwajú of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, Bishop Fasina Fape among others.