Former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, two weeks ago spoke to a number of reporters at his Asoludero Court residence in Sagamu, Ogun State. It was a conference preparatory to his 60th birthday which comes up on Wednesday, April 6th 2016. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, OGD, as he is fondly addressed by political admirers, said during the interview session where the Editor, FOLORUNSHO HAMSAT was also present, that the case of Nigeria, at present, calls for celebration, in spite of the many challenges confronting her. “I feel happy and blessed to be alive at 60. More importantly, we should appreciate God’s goodness and His divine protection over us, despite the challenges.” He speaks further…
How do you feel at 60 and how has life treated you, Your Excellency?
Thank you. When I realized that I was 50, I was shocked. I didn’t know that I’d be 60 just like that. I now consider myself as an elder. I now see myself as an old man who should be more mature and responsible. Anyway, at 60, it’s not about you any longer but about legacy, about youths that are coming behind and about nation-building though not about politics. The realities of life are quite different from some of the things we were taught in school. Life is quite complex yet very simple depending on what you want from life. You must determine what your value system is, what gives you joy and go for it. Now, there is something that must change about human nature. I think I was becoming larger than life and some people felt they should bring me down. It was a well-orchestrated and well-funded campaign. A newspaper was even floated just for that purpose; it was closed after it achieved its purpose. Regrettably, I got all manner of advice, they’ll say I must allow them to abuse me while I concentrate on my job. I didn’t know that people were believing the lies.
At this age, looking back, do you have anything to really worry about?
I have to thank God. If there’s anything that I worry about at all, it’s the fact that the quality of life should have been better than it is today. It’s time to mellow down and relax a little. Honestly, I think I’ve been more of a workaholic all my life and it’s time for me to mellow because I can no longer keep up with the pace of the past.
When you were governor, the youth were encouraged by your purposeful leadership. How would you advise the youth now to stay focused?
I can only continue to encourage the youths, especially Ogun State youths, to remain focused and remain strong- willed. My appeal to them is to open their eyes wide, be strong minded and never allow themselves to be used for anybody’s selfish interest.
Was there a point in your 60 years that you felt is unforgettable?
I have had memorable moments. But one day that I will never forget in my life was the day I was arraigned in court in Abeokuta. They alleged that I stole government funds. Some students that I feel were sponsored by the government were singing abusive songs outside the court. They were calling me a thief. They said I took $3m of state funds, N1bn of local government funds. But I didn’t let those things bother me because they were lies.
What’s your next line in politics?
With all I have put into the service of the people through politics, I think I should not be running after any political post. I have made a name, so I’m not looking for political relevance. As far as politics is concerned now, if any party feels there is a role I can play as an elder, fine. But I won’t look for any post. I’m not struggling with anybody for post. I have no presidential ambition or any political position but I would remain as an elder statesman, giving advice to politicians.”
Are you fulfilled looking back at your days in government?
I can only say that for my business. We thank God, we can say we have achieved our goals and objectives. When we started Kresta Laurel some 25 years ago, Nigerian companies in that business were unsung. We benchmarked against international companies with best global practice. Today, Kresta Laurel is the only ISO certified company in Nigeria.
Now, the Bible says in all things, we should give thanks. There is no human being on earth that will say he has everything. The nature of human is such that we are designed to want more. The people who are rich want to be richer. It’s an insatiable natural demand of homo sapiens. And without singing about it, I can bring so many examples. Sports for instance had not got to this level locally. We did Gateway Games 10 years ago, several other states also did games after that but none surpassed us. We used that to turn around the fortune of Ogun State. Those are the ripple effects of our singular action. When we dualized our road, other states in Southwest and outside also started dualizing. But I want to give it to my successor; he has been trying to make it better with flyovers all over the place. In education, we started the first University of Education in Nigeria, I was happy when Chief Obasanjo went there recently and said he tried to achieve that at the federal level but couldn’t. When we came up with Free Trade Zone and airport, others are going in that direction too. If you know what you are doing, you could from wherever you are create a ripple effect on the larger society without making noise about it. Those are things I look at and thank God for His mercy.
Why is the road leading to your house in bad shape, despite that you had the power to do it while in office?
The road you are talking about, Oba Eluwole, is a federal road. It’s the road that leads to Mosimi, NNPC depot, where all the tankers load for the Southwest. From the refinery, they pump fuel through the pipeline there. It’s a strategic depot and it is very big. It’s five years since I left government, this road was not like this when I was in government, I was maintaining the road. NUPENG may go on strike if that road is not good because their tankers can fall after loading. With the meagre resources, we ensured that we maintained the road while in government.
Who are those that influenced your life?
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Awojobi and my father. These are the people that greatly influenced me. Or do you have any other person in mind (general laughter). Well, there are things that these three people did that I modestly tried to do too. Awojobi died at 48, he was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos. He was one of the most brilliant geniuses of our time. I was his boy. I was a young undergraduate who carried his briefcase and follow him from campus to campus where he went to deliver his radical lectures. I was a research assistant to him even as an undergraduate.
