President Bola Tinubu felicitated a former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, on his 70th birthday, praising him for his strides in politics, business and development.

The president, in a statement on Monday, described the former governor as a distinguished engineer, entrepreneur and politician who has made significant contributions to national development.

“Today, I celebrate Senator Gbenga Daniel, a renowned engineer, successful entrepreneur, prominent politician, and longtime ally and friend, on his milestone 70th birthday,” Mr Tinubu stated. “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.”

The president, who recalled their longstanding political relationship, acknowledged the immense role Mr Daniel played in his emergence as Lagos governor in 1999.

“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,” he said.

Noting that the ex-governor built a reputation through his professional career and service to the country, Mr Tinubu highlighted his role as the founder of Kresta Laurel, an electromechanical engineering firm established in 1990, which he said had handled more engineering projects in the country.

The president further stated that Mr Daniel’s tenure as Ogun governor was marked by monumental developments in education, infrastructure, and industrialisation.

“The enviable heights the company has attained at present should not be surprising given Otunba’s business acumen, hunger for success and determination.

“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 noted.

Mr Tinubu described Mr Daniel as describing him as “a progressive politician and a true Afenifere, acknowledging his service to Ogun State and Nigeria, and his commitment to the socio-political and economic development of the country.

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

Mr Daniel, a two-term governor of Ogun from 2003 to 2011, was succeeded by Ibikunle Amosun, who took office on 29 May 2011 and served until 2019.

The politician was elected to the Nigerian Senate to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in 2023.