Former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, attributes his recent reelection as the representative of Ogun East Senatorial District in the Red Chambers of the legislature to his constituents’ endorsement and recognition of his outstanding governance during his tenure. Looking back on his time as governor, Daniel reflects on the transformation of Ogun State from a predominantly civil service-driven economy to one of Nigeria’s leading industrial states. In an interview with ThisDay Newspaper, he recounts the challenges his administration faced upon assuming office in 2003, inheriting a state heavily reliant on the income of civil servants.
“When we came into office, Ogun State’s economy was primarily centered around the salaries of civil servants and agricultural communities. If any issues arose within the civil service, the entire economy would suffer. That was the state of Ogun when we took office in 2003. It was this state that presented us with a formidable challenge when we entered politics. We made it our mission to awaken the sleeping giant that was Ogun State,” Daniel reminisces.
When asked about the strategies employed to transform Ogun State from its civil service reputation to becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial states, Daniel outlines the foundation laid for a prosperous future. He emphasizes the significant efforts made to bolster the sports sector, particularly for the benefit of the state’s youth. One of the notable achievements during his tenure was hosting the Gateway Games in 2006, a national sports festival. To support this initiative, his administration constructed modern stadiums in Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro, and Abeokuta, providing the necessary infrastructure for future generations to excel in sports. The state’s soccer team, Gateway United FC, also secured promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League during that time.
Furthermore, Daniel highlights the focus on education, positioning Ogun State as a leader in this field. Recognizing the importance of information and communication technology (ICT), his administration established four ICT Institutes across the state, envisioning the development of a local Silicon Valley. Building on the multi-campus policy of the state’s university, Daniel created the University of Education, the College of Science and Technology in Ibogun (with plans to evolve it into a University of Science and Technology), and the College of Agricultural Sciences in Aiyetoro (envisioned as a University of Agriculture). These initiatives aimed to provide diverse educational opportunities and support the growth of knowledge-based industries.
Daniel emphasizes the critical role of industrialization in the economic turnaround of Ogun State. During his tenure, the administration prioritized industrial development, resulting in the establishment of three free trade zones. The first was the Olokola Free Trade Zone, a joint effort with Ondo State, envisioned as a major project with a deep seaport and the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility globally. While some projects, like the Dangote Refinery, were later relocated to Lekki, the Ogun East initiative laid a solid foundation for industrial growth. In partnership with China, the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) was inaugurated in Ogun West, housing 40 fully operational companies manufacturing various products. The OGFTZ became the primary source of locally produced ceramics and home to the country’s only functioning glass industry. Additionally, the Kajola Transportation Free Trade Zone was established in Ogun Central, aiming to relocate the existing Iddo terminus to Kajola within the Ifo Local Government Area, creating a transportation hub.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Ogun State experienced a remarkable transformation during Daniel’s governorship. The educational, sports, and industrial sectors were all repositioned, propelling the state from a civil servant-driven economy to a leading industrial powerhouse in Nigeria. Daniel’s reelection to the Red Chambers serves as a testament to the recognition and appreciation of his remarkable achievements in Ogun State.
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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.
