By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator Gbenga Daniel celebrated his 70th birthday in Abuja, calling for urgent action to tackle misinformation and corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking at the public presentation of four books, Daniel emphasized the need for credible information systems to strengthen governance.
The event was attended by dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Wale Edun. Daniel’s books, “Daniel in the Lions’ Den”, “My March through the Courts”, “Path to Justice”, and “Otuba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time”, were unveiled.
Daniel stressed that misinformation is a major challenge facing Nigerian society, advocating for greater investment in fact-based information systems and a systemic approach to tackling corruption and illicit financial flows.
He proposed a well-structured moratorium or amnesty on repatriation of illicit funds, provided they are invested productively in Nigeria, and emphasized the need for ethical values in leadership.
President Tinubu praised Daniel’s achievements in industrialization, education, and infrastructure development, highlighting his role in establishing Kresta Laurel and initiating Ogun State’s first agro-allied cargo airport.
The event showcased Daniel’s contributions to Nigerian politics, business, and engineering, with the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers hailing him as an “engineer-statesman”.
Daniel’s 70th birthday celebration also featured a table tennis tournament, promoting youth development and grassroots sporting culture.
The Senator’s call to action highlights the need for leadership and collective effort to address corruption and misinformation in Nigeria.
