GBENGA DANIEL
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.
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 life 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.
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 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.
ADEKUNLE-JOHNSON
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends warm congratulations to his Special Adviser on Job Creation and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson (MFR), on his birthday, April 7.
President Tinubu commends him for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to advancing the administration’s vision of empowering Nigerians through sustainable job creation and the growth of MSMEs, which remain the backbone of the nation’s economy.
He notes Adekunle-Johnson’s remarkable leadership and innovation in driving policies and programmes that support entrepreneurship, stimulate economic opportunities, and uplift small businesses across the country.
The President expresses confidence in Adekunle-Johnson’s continued contributions towards fostering inclusive economic growth and expanding opportunities for Nigerians, particularly the youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
“Working in partnership with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, Adekunle-Johnson has led the Expanded National MSME Clinics to several states of the federation, facilitated the establishment of 18 Shared Hubs in different parts of the country with more at different stages of completion, creating about 478,000 jobs and has continuously pursued enterprise sustainability across Nigerian small businesses.
“Through the National MSME Awards, one of the leading initiatives managed by Mr Adekunle-Johnson, the government has entrenched excellence, innovation and hard work in the small business space in Nigeria by rewarding outstanding MSMEs at the annual event, focusing on successful entrepreneurs and demonstrating to other business owners the possibilities of excellence and potential growth within Nigeria’s small business market.
“On this special day, I wish you good health, greater accomplishments, and many more years of impactful service to the nation,” the President says.
OLUSOLA OKE
President Bola Tinubu has sent warm felicitations to Chief Olusola Oke, renowned lawyer and prominent politician, on his 70th birthday on April 7, 2026.
The President rejoices with Oke’s relations, friends, professional colleagues, and political associates as they celebrate the immense contributions of the Senior Advocate to Ondo State and Nigeria on his attainment of the platinum age.
Oke stands at the intersection of legal practice and politics, effectively combining the two without leaving either behind.
He was elected a member of the House of Representatives representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in 1992. In 2000, the Federal Government appointed him to the pioneer board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
President Tinubu notes that, though Oke served at the top echelons of the People’s Democratic Party as the National Legal Adviser from 2008 to 2012, he has also proven invaluable since joining the All Progressives Congress.
Oke was Deputy Director of Legal Affairs in the Tinubu Shettima Campaign Organisation in 2023.
Highlighting his contributions to the country, President Tinubu remarks: “Oke’s professional practice as a lawyer of high reputation provided the platform that gifted him the opportunity to blossom in politics and to join others in efforts to impact his people positively.”
Though Oke has twice unsuccessfully contested for the governorship of Ondo State, he has served the state in many capacities, including being the Executive Chairman of the Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), an intervention agency, in 2004.
President Tinubu prays that God will grant Oke more years, good health and increased wisdom.
