When Otunba Gbenga Daniel assumed office as the Governor of Ogun State in May 2003, expectations were high, but the challenges were even greater. The state, blessed with natural resources, geographical advantage, and a rich cultural history, was underperforming in both infrastructure and human capital development.
By the time Daniel left office in 2011, Ogun state had not only witnessed an unprecedented wave of growth but had also earned its place as one of Nigeria’s most competitive states for investment and innovation.
Rewriting Ogun’s Infrastructure Story:
One of Daniel’s most visible legacies was his aggressive push for infrastructural renewal. Major road networks were constructed and rehabilitated across the state, opening up rural communities and connecting them with urban centres. Landmark projects such as the Sagamu-Benin Expressway link, the Abeokuta-Sagamu interchange, and rural feeder roads improved commerce, reduced travel time, and boosted accessibility for farmers and traders.
His administration also embarked on modern housing schemes, with estates such as the OPIC developments reshaping urban living. Public facilities, including bridges, markets, and transport terminals, sprang up across the state, laying the groundwork for Ogun’s transformation into a business hub.
A Champion Of Education And Human Capital:
Daniel understood that no state could develop beyond the quality of its human capital. Under his watch, Ogun State established and expanded institutions that have today become centres of excellence. The creation of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Nigeria’s first specialised university of education, stands as a trailblazing achievement. The revitalisation of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and the establishment of ICT centres in secondary schools also reflected his commitment to preparing Ogun’s youths for a knowledge-driven economy.
In addition, Daniel’s government introduced free textbooks and significantly subsidised tuition, ensuring that more children, regardless of background, had access to quality education.
Healthcare for the People:
His administration invested in healthcare delivery by upgrading general hospitals and establishing primary health centres across the 20 local government areas. The Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital was modernised to improve medical training and services. Mobile health initiatives, including free medical outreaches, took healthcare to rural dwellers who had long been neglected.
Industrialisation and Economic Growth:
Perhaps one of Daniel’s most enduring impacts lies in his industrialisation drive. He repositioned Ogun State as Nigeria’s new industrial frontier, attracting local and international investors. With initiatives such as the Ogun State Free Trade Zone in partnership with Chinese investors, and the aggressive marketing of Ogun as an investment-friendly state, companies began to flock in. This deliberate policy shift laid the foundation for the state’s current industrial boom, particularly along the Lagos-Ibadan axis.
Agriculture was not left out, Daniel encouraged mechanised farming, introduced improved seedlings, and supported cooperative farmers, thus increasing food production and rural incomes.
Cultural Revival and Tourism Development:
Ogun State, the cradle of Yoruba culture, found in Daniel a passionate promoter of heritage and tourism. He spearheaded the annual Gateway Festival, revived historic sites, and promoted arts and crafts as sources of pride and economic empowerment. His government invested in tourist attractions such as Olumo Rock and cultural centres, positioning the state as a choice destination for both local and foreign visitors.
Empowerment and Grassroots Development:
Daniel’s tenure was also marked by people-oriented initiatives. From youth skill acquisition programmes to women empowerment schemes, he created opportunities for ordinary people to participate in the state’s prosperity. Micro-credit facilities, training workshops, and SME support services ensured that entrepreneurship flourished.
A Legacy That Endures:
Eight years of Daniel’s leadership redefined Ogun State’s trajectory. He was not merely a governor who built roads and schools; he was a leader who envisioned a modern Ogun, self-reliant, industrialised, and people-driven. Long after he handed over the reins of power, many of his policies, institutions, and infrastructural projects remain the backbone of the state’s ongoing development.
Today, as a senator of the Federal Republic, Otunba Gbenga Daniel continues to shape Nigeria’s political and developmental discourse. But for many in Ogun State, his legacy as governor remains a golden chapter, a period when vision met action, and promises gave way to tangible results.
By Folake Sokoya.
