Former Gov Gbenga Daniel and senator representing Ogun East, his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel and other ministers of God during the 70th birthday Thanksgiving service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Monday described former governor of Ogun State and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as “quite an exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi”.
Adeboye said that, having been living in Ogun State since 1983, he could, without fear or favour, disclose that Daniel has carved a niche for himself and never played politics with the Church of God while also keeping to fulfilling his promises.
He stated this on Monday while ministering at the senator’s 70th birthday and thanksgiving service held at Abraham Tabernacle, Sagamu.
The thanksgiving had in attendance former President Olusegun Obasanjo represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo, Ademola Adeleke, former Governor, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Iyabo Obasanjo, and Oladipupo Adebutu, among others.
Adeboye said, “Our beloved Gbenga Daniel was a governor in Ogun State and I have been living in the state since 1983. I have been through the hands of many governors, including the military, but I want to say that Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been quite exceptional.
“In dealing with the church of God, he has not played politics with the church of God, he has not played politics with any of us. He has fulfilled every promise he made; he is not the type who will make a promise in the first term and fulfil it in the second term.
“If you are looking for original Omoluwabi, Gbenga Daniel is one and people like him are quite few. And that is why when he approached me and said that I would be the one to say a few words during his 70th birthday, I said I would alter my busy schedule and be there.
“I respect you, sir. The Redeemed Christian Church of God respects you and wishes you a happy 70th birthday.”
Taking his message from the book of Psalms 90 vs 12, Adeboye urged people to be conscious of their sojourn in life because they are bound to give account of their deeds one day when confronted with their maker.
He explained that those who want to end well after their sojourn on earth must fear God, prioritise holiness and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
Adeboye disclosed that irrespective of status, what is certain is that everyone will one day give account of how they conduct their affairs on earth and the more reason why every soul must embrace the fear of God and live to please their creator.
Represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed Daniel’s invaluable contributions to both governance and national development.
Abiodun said, “As Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel brought energy and purpose to governance, laying foundations that continue to support growth and development across our state.”
The governor added that as the senator currently representing Ogun East, the former governor has continued to serve with the same passion and sense of responsibility, contributing meaningfully to legislation, representation and the advancement of his constituents.
Congratulating the former governor on reaching the 70-year milestone, Abiodun prayed that the senator will continue to grow stronger as he continues to devote the rest of his life to serving humanity
Speaking with journalists at the event, Daniel returned the praises to God for the grace to be alive and be celebrated at 70, saying that he was particularly delighted that people came in large numbers to honour him from far and wide, lending credence to the fact that his service to the people over the last 30 years has not gone unappreciated.
While I give thanks to God Almighty, it’s not everybody that we started together who is saved. And to now have such a large number of people commemorating us, I feel fulfilled. I feel happy.
He stated, “I feel that I have not served the state in vain. I feel appreciated. Today is one of my happiest days. I think that we must recommit ourselves to the emancipation of our people.
“I have stood with them in the last 25-30 years of my life. And I have seen that at the end of the day, they are a set of appreciative people.
“I’m happy that many of them have become important personalities in society. That gives me joy. So what I’ll continue to do is to continue to serve the people with the rest of my life.”
On the future of the country, Daniel urged the citizens to keep supporting President Bola Tinubu, whom he said is working day and night to make the country great once again.
He said, “We have a good president, he is intelligent and has a wonderful plan for the nation. People say that you cannot have a crown without a cross. So we are wearing the cross now and from what we are seeing, the cross is turning to a crown. We are all going to wear the crown of glory.
“Our country is going to be great. We should just remain hopeful and support President Tinubu, who is strongly committed to making the country great and prosperous.”
