Senator-elect for Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), expressed gratitude on Sunday for his peaceful and uncontested election into the National Assembly. Speaking at the 2nd annual Asiwaju of Remo Christians Choir Festival, held at the Abraham’s Tabernacle in Sagamu, Daniel emphasized that his victory was the only election in Ogun State that remained unchallenged at the tribunal.
Daniel, who served as Ogun State Governor from 2003 to 2011, reflected on his recent electoral victory, thanking his supporters for their unprecedented backing. “The amount of support you have given us was unprecedented. I was informed that of all the people who contested elections in Ogun State, it is only OGD’s election that has not been challenged by anybody. So, when we say we have a grateful heart, we know what we are talking about. We just must be grateful,” he said.
The choir festival, themed “Grateful Hearts,” attracted a notable audience, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, representatives of traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who was represented by one of his advisers. The festival, an initiative to promote choral music and gospel outreach, also drew several religious leaders and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Daniel emphasized the importance of gratitude and value-based leadership. He noted that, despite Nigeria’s challenges, including economic struggles and a collapsing value system, every citizen has a role to play in improving society. He pointed to his own election campaign, which focused on adding value to society by supporting people directly.
“We have challenges in our country, and all of us have responsibilities in our own little way to see what we can do to add value,” Daniel said. “It’s not as if we don’t know what to do with money, but what’s the meaning of money when the people next door to you are suffering and hungry? That’s why our campaign was focused on going around and helping people.”
Daniel, the Asiwaju of Remo Christians, also acknowledged the role religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, play in stabilizing Nigeria. He praised their contributions, saying, “If not because of the contributions of the church and the Muslim community, I don’t know what would have happened in this country. That is why we must continue to encourage all the men of God for the stabilization they are doing in our society.”
The Senator-elect also expressed his appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for attending the event, which marked the first time Obasanjo visited the church since it was built over 20 years ago in honor of Daniel’s late father, Most Rev. Abraham Adebola Daniel.
Obasanjo, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving, reminding Nigerians that despite the nation’s struggles, there are still many reasons to be thankful to God.
The event concluded with a choral competition, where the New Wine Ensemble from Lagos emerged as the overall winner, receiving a star prize of N2 million presented by Otunba Daniel and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel. The Viva de Chorale from Ibadan took second place with a cash prize of N1 million, while the Chamber Music Chorale from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, secured third place, winning N700,000.
Other notable performances included Great Remo Chorale, which won the award for best diction and articulation, and Abraham’s Tabernacle Choir, which took the prize for best costume.
As the festival wrapped up, it was clear that the theme of “Grateful Hearts” was not just a title but a reflection of the sentiments shared by the participants and attendees alike.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
