Gbenga Daniel
Otunba Gbenga Daniel | |
|---|---|
| File:Gbenga Daniels.png Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel (center), September 28, 2004 | |
| Governor of Ogun State | |
| In office May 29, 2003 – May 29, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Olusegun Osoba |
| Succeeded by | Ibikunle Amosun |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 April 1956 |
| Political party | Template:Labour Party of Nigeria |
Gbenga Daniel is one of the most influential Nigerian Politicians from South West Nigeria who gained political prominence when he campaigned for governorship and won in 2003. He is the longest serving Governor of Ogun haven served for two terms (Eight Years) serving as Governor from May 29 2003 to May 29 2011. His administration will be remembered as the administration that got almost everybody in the state involved in governance and prepared the state for industrialization, some of which were kick started when he was in the office. It will also be remembered that his administration was as well rocked with crises owing to various factors ranging from the grouse with House of Assembly and the clash within his former Political Party People’s Democratic Party (PDP) when the party was divided into his faction and the faction of the former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Before his advent into Politics, he was a successful Engineer, Business man and notable philanthropist in Nigeria; a platform which made his rise to political prominence easier when he eventually fully ventured into it. He is fondly called OGD by his followers meaning Otunba Gbenga Daniel and he is believed to be the most influential politician of the present generation in Ogun State as he commands massive followership amidst many controversies trailing him. He is currently a member and a Leader as well in the Labour Party of Nigeria.[1][2]][3]
Early life
Gbenga Daniel was born on 6th April, 1956 in the old City of Ibadan. He was born into the family of the Most Reverend Adebola Daniel of Makun, Sagamu and late Madam Olaitan Daniel of Omu-Ijebu. He spent his formative years in the Oke Ado/Oke Bola - Ososami axis of Ibadan which was the cultural and intellectual center stage of Nigeria. His later political orientation, revelation and development was greatly influenced by the intellectual activities of great Nigerians like Chinua Achebe who later wrote the world renowned Things Fall Apart, John Pepper Clarke, Chris Okigbo; one of Nigeria's greatest Poet, Wole Soyinka and a host of other great Nigerians; all of whom were plying their literary trade in Ibadan not leaving out the Great Political Sage of Nigeria Chief Obafemi Awolowo who has greatly influenced his political ideologies which would show in his latter years.
Otunba Daniel's leadership traits manifested early while he was at the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta which he attended from 1969 to 1973. He represented the school in debates and quiz competitions - a factor which made him exceptionally popular among his contemporaries and stimulated his inclination towards intellectual pursuits.[4][5]
His School years
Gbenga Daniel was a delight to his teachers from his secondary school days at the famous Baptist Boys High School. He attended the same school with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Fela Kuti Anikulapo, Chief Ebenezer Obey and the Nigerian Democracy hero Chief MKO Abiola. He was a brilliant student who tops his class and was tipped for greatness by his teachers.
Leader from Teenage Years
He represented the school in debates and quiz competitions - a factor which made him exceptionally popular among his contemporaries and stimulated his inclination towards intellectual pursuits. He won many laurels in these competitions for the Baptist Boys High School which made him a model student to his fellow students. His deep knowledge of the subject Technical Drawing must have inspired him to study Engineering; a field through which he became a global icon.
His Exploits in Higher Institutions
After high school, he proceeded first to the School of Basic Studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan for his A/Levels and thereafter to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos, where he won several laurels back to back which included the National Television Quiz Show by the Engineering Legend Ayodele Awojobi; this endeared him to the legend himself who greatly influenced him in Engineering.
It was also whilst still an undergraduate that he was initiated into the Committee of Friends of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, indeed, as the youngest member of that select Committee that later metamorphosed into the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). During his National Service year at the School of Engineering of the Lagos State Polytechnic, he supervised the construction of the Engineering complex and also conducted the semester examinations for the School of Engineering, without any whiff of leakage or scandal.
That feat was described by an appreciative management as “quite remarkable in an environment where examination fraud was quite rampant”. Daniel was to proceed to earn a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos and subsequently attended the Lagos Business School for an executive programme.
His Engineering Career
After he graduated from the School of Engineering at the University of Lagos as one of the best graduating Engineers, Gbenga Daniel joined the then multinational company H.F. SCHROEDER West Africa Limited in 1983 as a young Engineer moving from lecture theatre of Lagos State Polytechnic where he taught in the school of Engineering. Burning with the euphoria of lecturing of courses he accepted the offer to manage the post of a Commercial Manager for the Demag and Carbon brushes department.[6]
Professional Exploits
Two years later, being the only qualified engineer in the company and industrious, he was promoted and seconded to control the affair of the LIFT Department as Assistant General Manager (1985). Two years later, he became the General Manager of H. F. SCHROEDER (1987). Like an automatic but unwritten rule, Engr. Daniel received another promotion two years later to the post of Deputy Managing Director, the position he held until his resignation from the company in 1990. It is important to note that Daniel was the first African to hold such highly exalted position in H. F. SCHROEDER West Africa Limited.
The downturn in the economy caused largely by the International sanctions against Nigeria during the Military rule in the late eighties (80s) led to the mass exodus of the expatriates in H.F. SCHROEDER and probably a closure of some departments within the organization. In between the years in H.F. SCHREODER as AGM (LIFTS and DEMAG|), he secured many lift contracts for H.F. SCHROEDER W/A, Prominent among these are: • Mamman Kontagora House, Marina - FMBN • First Bank Iganmu • Crusader Insurance House, Lago • Elephant House • Chief Arthur Nzeribe House, Bamigbose, Lagos • LSDPC (Taxaco) House, Lago • Law Union & Rock, to mention just a few.
In [7] H. F. Schroeder, most staff saw him as kind, selfless and many describe him as a Philanthropist -his passion as a leader, Socialist, Welfarist and Counsellor made him the doyen of everyone. His stay in H. F. Schroeder could be viewed as a period of grace to the company and blessing to the workers. No wonder then that when having seen that the exodus of the expatriates could affect the encompassing goal of the company; and also the expatriates believing in his ability to turn around things did not hesitate to pass on to him the clients being managed by Lifts, Demag and Generator Departments under H.F SCHROEDER. They believe that he would not only keep but continue the business relations with those clients. An idea that gave birth to his Engineering Company, one of the best in the history of privately run companies in Nigeria. [8]
His Business Involvement
In a bid to explore his entrepreneurial prowess, he ventured into business by starting his own Company which he registered as Krestal Laurel.
Krestal Laurel
Otunba Justus Olugbengba Daniel established his own company in 1990. This he started off by the belief in himself and the belief in the ability of Nigerian engineers to hold their own in the horizontal and vertical moving engineering industry in Nigeria. Kresta Laurel's certification as the agency for DEMAG and SABIEM products is as a result of his proficiency in engineering details, belief and ability to accomplish projects and deliver to specification.
In the course of his leadership in H.F. Schroder West Africa, his friends cut across professionals who had made a statement in their choiced careers. The likes of Arc. Towry Coker (TCA), Otunba Adekunle Ojora, Chief Dolapo Balogun, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Arch. Anibaba, Engr. Adeola, Prof. Ibidapo Obe (former VC Unilag) and Otunba Jimmy Olaghere. In the Engineering profession Otunba Daniel excelled and demonstrated his business acumen by running a successful company that gave job to many and restored pride in the Nigerian professional.[6]
His Philanthropic Activities
Gbenga Daniel started giving back to the community as far back as the early 80s through which a lot of people were empowered. In his bid to establish his expand his social development works, he established the Gateway Front Foundation in 1999 officially.
Gateway Fronts Foundation
Registered as a Non Governmental Organisation in 1999, the vision of Gateway Front Foundation was to narrow the gap between potential and achievement in Ogun State and turn the tide from imminent retrogression into progression. It was created to see to the welfare and the development of the people living in Ogun State. Within a short period of time, GFF as it was popularly known became the most famous NGO in Ogun State< due to their voracious empowerment activities. Having representatives at the grassroots level in all the wards (smaller unit of the Local Government to carry out empowerment programmes in those localities.
The Gateway Front Foundation’s programmes included Micro Credit Scheme to indigenes of the State. The loans were interest free loans and they were recovered through small and regular deposits by the group of indigenes. Through this scheme, several thousands of people in Ogun State who had no access to traditional financial services were able to access this credit scheme which boosted many small scale businesses and as well promoted communalism amongst the people as they had to always meet from time to time as a group to monitor each other’s progress. This was a beautiful initiative that was to light up the community involvements in governance in the nearest future when he won the election as Governor of Ogun State.[9] Other programmes include Trade Establishment Scheme where people were empowered with trade tools and machines to establish their small scale businesses. Several Sewing Machines, Water tanks, Pop Corn machines, coolers, barbing clippers, grinding machines and so many tools were distributed freely to people to establish their trade and this was a major boost to the welfare of the people of Ogun State. Gateway Front Foundation also did comprehensive health programmes especially in the remote areas. Several thousands of Children were given worm expellers; there were Free Mobile Clinic and also Screening Clinics for Diabetes, hypertension and other ailments.
His philanthropy made it easy for quick acceptance upon venturing into politics as people were greatly convinced that if he could be giving out so much with his personal funds, he would do better in Government when elected.[10]
Political career
His Pact with Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Afenifere
His Gubernatorial Campaign
As Governor of Ogun State
Daniel was elected governor of Ogun State in April 2003, running on the PDP platform.[11] He acquired the chiefly title Otunba of the Egba clan of the state during the course of his first term.[citation needed] He was reelected in April 2007. His April 2007 election was disputed by rival candidate Ibikunle Amosun of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP), but in August 2009 the Ogun State Election Petitions Tribunal dismissed the petition.[11]
His Achievements
Below are documented efforts of Otunba Gbenga Daniel,his exploits,Achievements and Awards During and Post records as the Governor of Ogun State.
Educational Achievement
In recognition of his contributions to educational development in the State Otunba Daniel has been honoured with several academic laurels, including:
- Doctor of Science, Engineering (D.Sc, Honoris Causa) of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye (2006)
- Doctor of Agriculture (D. Agric, Honoris Causa) of University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (2005)
- Doctor of Development Administration (DDA, Honoris Causa) of Babcock University, (2004)
- Fellow of the Nigerian Academic of Engineering
- Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineering
- Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management
- Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Directors
- He has also won several distinguished awards including but not limited to the following:
- One of Nigeria’s 100 most successful Businessmen (National Concord) - 1993
- MKO Abiola Leadership Prize - 2004
- Africa Leadership Prize for the Best Performed Governor for year 2003 - 2004
- City People Magazine Award for Best Performing Governor for 2003 - 2004
- Man of the Year (by the American Biographical Institute Inc) - 2004
- Best Performing Governor in Primary Education Development – 2005
Creation of a New Government Secretariat
The Oke Mosan was a deserted place with no buildings. Just a virgin Land. And the administration of Ogun State was still emerging as Ministries were scattered all over the Capital City which was slowing down the bureaucratic process compared to the speed at which Gbenga Daniel wanted; In his quest to change the face of the State Capital Abeokuta and position it for economic development, there was a major decision taken to put the State Ministries together in one compound. This was what gave birth to one of the best decisions taken in the history of governance in Ogun State; Construction of the Ogun State Sectretariat.[12]
IT Revolution
Another major mile stone is building the Gateway ICT Institute widely known as South West Resource Centre which remains the biggest IT centre in the South West geo political zone. This Resource Centre played a key pivotal role in computerizing all the State Ministries which all the Civil Servants trained on Information Technology. Several International IT courses like CISCO and other specialized courses on Information Technologies were offered to all and sundry at the Resource Centre as people trouped in from Ogun State and neighbouring States to study IT course of their choice.[13]
Urban Development
As the Governor, Gbenga Daniel was creative and very strategic in the implementation of his developmental projects; one of such is how he went about his urban development. Several projects were implemented to achieve a urban development. He created several Regulatory bodies to see to the development of strategic facets of Urban Development which include the following:
Bureau of Electrical Services which was able to pull together human and equipment resources of Government, hitherto lying fallow in their respective agencies to form a formidable result oriented outfit to address the electrical requirements of the State. 13 Special Electrical Gangs were created to work on various electrification programmes.
Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development was formed in July, 2007 to provide portable water and effective sanitation as well as integrated rural development through the construction, rehabilitation and upgrade of rural roads and electrification projects state wide. Several roads were constructed by the Ministry under the project name "Legacy Roads" in all the zones of the State. It was a classical direct review and implementation of the rural road development programme of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Strategic communities were opened up through this project. 66 Kilometres were constructed under this project linking over 18 communities to each other and they were all implemented strategically in all the zones of the State.
These and many other projects were carried out in his Urban Development plan.
Jobs Creation
Human Capital Development
Under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel the tradition of excellence that the Ogun State Public Service is noted for has not only been maintained but verifiable improvement has been achieved to the end that the service has risen to become the best in the country. And the human capital development initiative of the administration that has seen thousands of civil servants sharpening their skills through seminars, workshop and other academic pursuits sponsored by the Ogun State Government has further enhance the capacity of the service that has seen more recruitments in the last eight years than at any other time in the history of the State.
Economic Revitalization
Controversies in Office
In June 2009 he drew criticism for his proposal to float a bond for commercial developmental projects in the state, which was said to be contrary to his stated principles about the Public - Private Partnership (PPP).[14]
In July 2009, a scandal blew up with the publication in the Nigerian Compass of a photograph that allegedly showed Wale Alausa, a member of the state House of Assembly, taking a blood oath which the paper said was to ensure secrecy and unity of purpose in a bid to impeach Daniel. The Nigerian Compass is owned by Gbenga Daniel. Alausa said the pictures were real, but the blood oath was an oath of allegiance to Daniel, which he had taken at the governor's insistence.[15]
.Daniel was arraigned on Monday April 16, 2012 by the EFCC(The nation's anti graft agency) on a 38 count charge which borders on misappropriation of fund amounting to over N200 million, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office while he held sway as governor of Ogun State. He was however granted bail.[16]
Daniel's achievements while in office include building roads, recreational centres and stadiums in the three senatorial districts of the state, and setting up a University of Education.[17] The Gateway International Stadium was a site of the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup which was held in Nigeria.[18]
In February 2009, Daniel authorized reduction of fees at the State-owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic to N7,000. This followed negotiations with the National Association of Nigeria Students after parents and students had protested recent increases to fees.[19]
References
- ^ Ogunbayo, Modupe (2009-07-05). "Oath-Taking Controversy in Ogun". Newswatch Magazine (Lagos). Newswatch Communications Limited. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
- ^ [[Gbenga Daniel]
- ^ Adegbenro Adebanjo (Thur May 19,201). "Business man and notable philanthropist". Newsdiaryonline. Retrieved 2014-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ otunbagbengadaniel (Thur Oct 19,2012). "He went to the famous Baptist Boys' High School (BBHS) in Abeokuta". otunbagbengadaniel. Retrieved 2014-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Adegbenro Adebanjo (Thur May 19,201). "OTNPC handed over to UCH". Newsdiaryonline. Retrieved 2014-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "H.F. SCHROEDER West Africa Limited". OGD. Retrieved 2014-01-15. Cite error: The named reference "who" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ H. F. Schroeder
- ^ {{cite web |url=http://http://otunbagbengadaniel.org/index.php/about-ogd |title=Article: otunba Gbenga Exploits at H.F Schroeder -
- ^ {{cite web |url=hhttp://allafrica.com/stories/200910300300.html |title=Nigeria: Gateway Front Foundation At 10 |publisher=TAYO AGUNBIADE |date=O29 OCTOBER 2009
- ^ {{cite web |url=http://www.whispaz.com/yeye_olufunke_daniels_78.html |title=Article: Up, Close and Personal with Her Excellency - Yeye Olufunke Daniels |publisher=Whispaz
- ^ a b "Tribunal again upholds Gbenga Daniel's election". Business Day. 28 August 2009. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- ^ "Article:OGUN NEW SECRETARIAT EXTENSION: ANOTHER TESTIMONY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE". Adegbenro Adebanjo-NEWSDIARYONLINE. WED.JULY 1,2009. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ {{cite web |url=http://news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2004/feb/02/021.html |title=Ogun Opens Multi-million Dollars South-west Resource Centre |publisher=BNw Headline News |date=May 2, 2014
- ^ Shola Oyeyipo (June 29, 2009). "Opposition Fault Daniel Over N60bn Bond". Times of Nigeria. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- ^ Modupe Ogunbayo (5 July 2009). "Oath-Taking Controversy in Ogun". Newswatch. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- ^ http://saharareporters.com/news-page/efcc-release-gbenga-daniel-arraigned-granted-bail-under-stringent-conditions
- ^ REMI ADEFULU (August 26, 2009). "Daniel focused, undistracted by feud". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- ^ ADEGBENRO ADEBANJO (November 24, 2009). "Diplomacy, sports and Ogun State". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2009-12-07.
- ^ Ademola Oni (February 10, 2009). "Moshood Abiola Poly slashes school fees". The Punch. Retrieved 2010-03-03. [dead link]
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