OGD @ 70: A Personal Tribute by a life-long mentee

By Dideolu Falobi

There are men who merely pass-through life, and there are those who quietly shape the lives of others while shaping history itself. Otunba (Engr.) Justus Olugbenga Daniel belongs firmly to the latter category.

As he marks his seventieth birthday, I find myself reflecting not only on the public figure that Nigerians know — the engineer, entrepreneur, governor, and senator — but on the man I have had the rare privilege of knowing personally for over three decades. To the world, he is Otunba Gbenga Daniel. To me, he is Boss, Mentor, Brother, and Leader — a man whose influence on my life cannot easily be measured.

Our paths first crossed in March 1989. At the time, I was simply a young engineer with ambition, energy, and perhaps more confidence than experience. What began as a professional relationship gradually grew into something far deeper — a mentorship that has shaped my professional journey and personal outlook ever since.

But long before that moment, Otunba Gbenga Daniel had already begun building the foundations of a remarkable life. Born on April 6, 1956, he grew up in a home where faith, discipline, and learning were taken seriously.

Those values carried him through the disciplined environment of Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, and later to the University of Lagos, where he trained as an engineer. Even in those early years, one could see the qualities that would later define him: focus, precision, and an almost restless determination to solve problems.

That determination took him to H.F. Schroeder West Africa Limited, where he rose through the ranks with impressive speed, eventually becoming the first African Deputy Managing Director of the company — an achievement that spoke not only to his competence but also to his courage. Yet, for someone like him, working within an existing structure was never going to be the final destination.

In 1990, he founded Kresta Laurel Limited, a company that would grow into one of Nigeria’s most respected engineering firms in electro-mechanical systems. The company became more than a business — it became a platform where young professionals could grow, learn, and be tested.

Then came 2003, when Otunba Gbenga Daniel was elected Governor of Ogun State. At that time, Ogun State was a place of enormous potential, though much of that potential had yet to be fully realised. What followed during his eight years in office was a period of bold ambition and visible transformation. Roads were constructed and expanded across the three senatorial districts. Urban centres were renewed. Economic activity began to grow. From Abeokuta to Sagamu, and from Ijebu-Ode to Ota, the state gradually took on a new energy.

Projects such as the Gateway International Stadium symbolised a state ready to think bigger and act boldly. His administration also recognized that no society develops faster than the education of its people. The establishment of Nigeria’s first University of Education and the creation of ICT-focused institutions were clear signals that the future belonged to knowledge, technology, and human capacity.

Perhaps even more significant was the economic direction he set for the state. Through industrial initiatives such as the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Ogun State began attracting investment on a scale previously unseen.

The concept of an Agro-Cargo Airport, conceived during his administration, reflected a long-term vision linking agriculture, industry, and export markets. Gradually, Ogun State evolved from a largely civil-service economy into one of Nigeria’s most vibrant industrial hubs. Beyond infrastructure and economic policy, there was also compassion.

Through the Gateway Front Foundation, he extended support to communities through medical outreach programmes, scholarships, and social initiatives — demonstrating that governance must always carry a human face.

Many years later, after completing his tenure as governor, he once again answered the call to public service. In 2023, he entered the Nigerian Senate, representing Ogun East Senatorial District. Once again, he brought with him the experience of executive leadership and the discipline of a problem solver.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, he contributes to discussions around national security and maritime development. At the same time, he has continued to advocate for major regional projects, including the South-West Development Commission and strategic economic infrastructure.

Titles, Politics and Hard work alone do not capture the essence of man popularly called OGD in political circles, Otunba Asoludero in traditional circles, Multiple fellow in professional circles and for those who know, “Danny Boy” among the boys now turned men as well as Omo Baba alufa or Asiwaju Onigbagbo in religious circles.

To those of us who have worked closely with him, he represents a rare blend of vision, discipline, humour, and humanity. He plans with the precision of an engineer and expects excellence from everyone around him. Yet he also possesses the remarkable ability to recognise potential in people long before they see it in themselves.

And then there is the famous Ijebu instinct. Anyone familiar with Yoruba humour understands that the word Ijebu often carries playful associations with financial prudence. If ever there were a living masterclass in extracting value from money, it would be my Boss.

In all my years, I have never met anyone who stretches a naira further. He personally supervised the construction of many of his properties — sometimes joining artisans in bricklaying, carpentry, painting, plumbing, and even welding.

The furniture in his office at the Kresta Laurel Complex has remained in faithful service since the building opened in 1998. Old fittings that others would discard are repaired and restored. under his watchful eye. Even today, it would not surprise anyone to see him personally visiting Alaba Market in search of electronics or stopping by Amu Market to inspect timber. To him, nothing should be wasted. Everything has value if you look carefully enough.

Yet behind this legendary thrift is a generous heart, a sharp intellect, and a deep commitment to those who walk the journey with him. At seventy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel represents a remarkable combination of qualities — the discipline of an engineer, the vision of a reformer, the resilience of a politician, and the kindness of a mentor.

For me personally, he represents something even more meaningful. He believed in a young Ijesa boy and gave him an opportunity to grow. Today, as Managing Director of Kresta Laurel Limited, I remain deeply grateful for that trust.

So, Egbon mi, as you celebrate this milestone, my family and I offer our heartfelt appreciation and prayers. You have shown that leadership is not measured simply by the offices one occupies, but by the lives one shapes and the institutions one builds.

May Almighty God grant you renewed strength, deeper wisdom, and many more years of purposeful service. May history continue to record your contributions with fairness. And may generations yet unborn draw inspiration from the extraordinary life you continue to live.

Happy 70th Birthday, my Boss, Mentor, Brother, Friend, and Leader.

Engr. (Chief) Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, FIoD

Bobajiro of Ijesaland

Managing Director, Kresta Laurel Limited (2005 – Present)

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