A former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has credited President Bola Tinubu for playing a defining role in shaping his administration while in office, describing the Nigerian leader as a source of inspiration and practical governance ideas.

Daniel made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of four books to mark his 70th birthday, an event that drew top political figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the well-attended ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Daniel paid glowing tribute to Tinubu, highlighting the President’s pragmatic leadership style and intellectual depth.

He said, “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains one of the most pragmatic human beings that I have ever come across. Nigeria is yet to see the best of him. Mr President is a textbook in governance and creative intelligence that many of us read from.

“I owe the modest success of our administration as the Governor of Ogun State to his insight and creative geniuses; there are quite a lot of his governance initiatives that we copied from while I was Governor.”

The former governor’s acknowledgement of Tinubu’s influence set the tone for the event, which doubled as both a celebration of his life at 70 and a reflection on his years in public service and the ideas that shaped them.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in turn described Daniel as a “longtime ally and friend,” praising his contributions to governance and national development.

“I salute Otunba Daniel for his professional exploits, governance strides and political achievements. He accomplished the feats by dint of hard work, tenacity, wisdom and courage,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu noted that Daniel had built a strong reputation across engineering, business and politics, citing his role in founding Kresta Laurel as evidence of his entrepreneurial drive.

“The enviable heights the company has attained at present should not be surprising given Otunba’s business acumen, hunger for success and determination. Kresta Laurel has handled major engineering projects and has become a leader in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that Daniel carried the same vision into public office after becoming governor in 2003, focusing on industrialisation, infrastructure, education and public-private partnerships.

“Part of his legacy as governor included the initiation of the first agro-allied cargo airport in the state and the establishment of Tai Solarin University of Education,” Tinubu said.

Beyond personal reflections, Daniel used the occasion to address broader national issues, including misinformation, corruption and declining ethical values in public service.

“One of the critical issues that has arrested and held down Nigerian society is the lack of credible information. Political decisions are frequently taken from warped viewpoints,” he said.

On corruption, he called for structural solutions, noting the impact of illicit financial flows on the economy.

“A significant portion of corrupt proceeds passes through our banking system. Government could consider offering a well-structured moratorium or amnesty on the repatriation of such illicit funds,” he said.

Daniel also advocated a return to ethical leadership anchored on the “Omoluabi ethos,” stressing integrity, accountability and moral uprightness as essential to national progress.

Addressing security, the former governor backed ongoing discussions on state policing, urging safeguards to prevent abuse and proposing State Police Councils to ensure accountability.

The event also featured the unveiling of four books—“Daniel in the Lions’ Den,” “My March through the Courts,” “Path to Justice,” and “Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time”—as tributes to his life, career and enduring impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.