Like Awolowo, Like OGD” — Senator Gbenga Daniel’s Midterm Tour to Ikenne Rekindles the Spirit of Visionary Leadership

History came full circle as Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), FNSE, FAEng, continued his Midterm Assessment and Constituency Review Tour to Ikenne Local Government — the historic home of Nigeria’s foremost statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Ikenne stands as a symbolic cradle of visionary governance, the birthplace of a political titan whose ideals of education, health, infrastructure, and rural development shaped the golden era of the old Western Region. Decades later, those ideals find a worthy torchbearer in Senator Gbenga Daniel, a leader whose political philosophy mirrors the progressive legacy of Chief Awolowo.

A Legacy of Continuity

Just like Awolowo, OGD’s life reflects a deep devotion to public service, grassroots empowerment, and people-centered governance. His political journey dates back to the 1970s when, as a youth leader in the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), he worked closely within Awolowo’s ideological circle. Later, as an active member of Afenifere under the revered Pa Abraham Adesanya, Daniel’s politics continued to embody progressive values.

During the dark era of military dictatorship, OGD quietly supported NADECO and the democratic resistance, demonstrating that leadership transcends holding office—it is about standing for principle, even at personal risk.

Like Awolowo, Like OGD — Impact That Speaks

As Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, Otunba Daniel brought to life a vision rooted in the welfare of the people, transforming multiple sectors through strategic initiatives.

1. Education — Building the Minds of Tomorrow

OGD placed Ogun State on the educational map by establishing Tai Solarin University of Education—the first of its kind in Nigeria and third in Africa. He also founded four ICT polytechnics, upgraded the College of Health Technology into a full-fledged Polytechnic, and decentralized Olabisi Onabanjo University into a multi-campus system—echoing Awolowo’s belief that education is the bedrock of freedom and development.

2. Health — Taking Care to the People

His administration revolutionized healthcare delivery by building three new general hospitals in Atan, Itori, and Omu; establishing a modern Trauma Centre at OOUTH Sagamu; and providing doctors’ quarters in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode. Through the Ogun Rural Medical Scheme (OGRUMED), medical services reached the most remote communities.

3. Youth Empowerment and Job Creation

With programs like OGEGEP and OGUNGRAD, OGD empowered thousands of young graduates through training in agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, helping them become job creators rather than job seekers.

4. Agriculture and Rural Development

Following Awolowo’s model of integrated rural progress, OGD expanded Ogun’s farm settlements from 8 to 22, launched OSAMCA for microcredit access, and introduced the Cassava Revolution Program to boost food security and agribusiness.

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5. Infrastructure and Investment Drive

He attracted both local and foreign investors, modernized critical infrastructure, and laid the foundation for the industrial base that continues to drive Ogun’s economy today.

A Statesman in the Senate

Now representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Daniel has continued his tradition of results-driven leadership. Despite the legislative limitations of his current role, his impact resonates through social interventions, empowerment initiatives, healthcare programs, and progressive bills that target education, innovation, and industrial growth.

His ongoing Midterm Assessment Tour — branded #BATOGD2027 Movement — is a model of accountability, where he returns to the grassroots to engage, review progress, and listen directly to his people.

The Man, The Movement, The Mission

Like Awolowo, OGD’s leadership is rooted in integrity, intellect, and inclusion. His connection to the people remains organic — born of trust, service, and performance over decades.

As the #BATOGD2027 momentum grows across Ogun East, one message resounds from every community:

“With OGD, Ogun East is in safe hands — and one good term deserves another.”

In Summary

Otunba Gbenga Daniel stands not just as a politician, but as a statesman — an engineer, democrat, and visionary carrying forward the timeless ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

From Ikenne to Ijebu, from Remo to Ogun Waterside, the echoes of progress ring clear:

OGD is not merely following Awolowo’s path — he is walking in his legacy, shaping it for a new era of hope, progress, and prosperity.