Former Governor of Ogun State and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has stressed the importance of continuity in governance, saying that sustaining developmental projects initiated by previous administrations is vital to Nigeria’s progress.
Daniel made the remark on Sunday during the BATOGD Movement Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour held in Ilisan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
The former governor recalled how he faced criticism when he first proposed the Gateway International Airport project in 2005, with many dismissing it as a scam or “white elephant” initiative. Gbenga Daniel, however, expressed joy that the facility has now become a reality under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“Standing here in Ilisan, it warms my heart to see the Gateway International Airport in Remo—an idea we conceptualised and started years ago—now a world-class facility under Governor Dapo Abiodun,” Daniel said.
“Development is not a competition; it is a relay race. When one governor passes the baton, another must run with it. Real leadership is not about who gets the credit but about who gets the job done.”
Despite recent political tensions between Daniel and Governor Abiodun—following the state government’s demolition of the former governor’s property and Daniel’s subsequent suspension from the All Progressives Congress—Gbenga Daniel commended Abiodun’s commitment to completing the airport project. He said such dedication to continuity was essential to preventing developmental stagnation.
He urged political leaders to put aside rivalry and focus on implementing projects that directly benefit citizens.
Gbenga Daniel also used the platform to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, praising the President’s reform policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the naira, introduction of student loans, and large-scale infrastructure renewal.
“President Tinubu has shown courage and focus in reforming the economy. It is now our duty, especially in the Southwest, to support him to record a landslide victory in 2027,” he added.
Speaking on his senatorial activities, Daniel explained that the BATOGD Movement tour was designed to evaluate the impact of his representation and identify new opportunities for socio-economic growth across local communities.
He highlighted several ongoing and completed constituency projects, such as solar-powered motorised boreholes in Ogere, solar street lights in Ilisan, and the construction of an ultra-modern skills acquisition centre in Ilisan-Remo to empower youths with practical vocational skills.
Gbenga Daniel also revealed plans to revive a major livestock and dairy farm project in Ikenne-Remo, which he initiated during his tenure as governor but which stalled due to financial constraints. He said the project could create over 10,000 jobs and boost agro-industrial development in the region.
On regional aspirations, the senator reaffirmed his commitment to the creation of Ijebu-Remo State and urged residents of Ogun East to remain united in the pursuit of that goal.
“If we must realise the dream of Ijebu-Remo State, continuity in representation is vital. The dream might suffer a setback if we don’t sustain our collective voice till 2031,” he said.
During the visit, Gbenga Daniel also inspected the Federal Government’s Strategic Grain Reserve in Ikenne, promising to work towards making the facility fully functional to enhance food security and job creation.
The event also featured the distribution of empowerment materials, including sewing machines, motorcycles, freezers, and grinding machines, to residents of the local government.