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The Man,The Bridge,The choice.
Food for thought from His Excellency.
Being the text of the Welcome Address delivered at the Stakeholders Summit organised by the Gateway Front Foundation on the 12th March, 2001 at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos with the theme
"Ogun State at 25: The Challenges for Sustainable Development".
There comes a moment in the history of a people when men of goodwill must stand and be counted, or remain seated and be lost and forgotten in the throes of change. There comes at time in the life of a man when the situation around you suddenly pushes to the fore, when your conscience pricks you; when you are concerned about your environment; when you are concerned about your heritage and your race; when your stomach churns at the thought of your own reality;
when your senses rebel against you but your spirit urges you on; and when your mind in the core of you says - let us do something.
Today, that moment has come in the history of our people, and our people are already agitating for a change. From Sokot to Lagos, from Maiduguri to Calabar, it is the same cry for a total reak from their sad past. Today, their noise is getting so loud for the deaf to hear; and their tears flowing so much for the blind to see.
For how much longer we can continue this business as usual is beyond the guess of ordinary mortals like us, but the words of Justice Akinola Aguda cannot be truer when he wrote:
"We must be frank to ourselves. Most of us….although we may not be millionaires, belong to the elite group of this society who do not feel the rigour of injustice that is going on around us. That is the tragedy of our situations, for certainly, change will come whether we like it or not, and I hope we will not be consumed in the change".
In the same vein, we must not attempt to absolve ourselves of blame in the event of any misfortune if we fail to respond to the cry of our people. Going by the words of John B. Anderson,
"Let none of us take refuge in the false notion that the problems of poverty and social injustice are the exclusive concern of the state".
The expanse of Ogun State I cannot fathom, it is the job of geographers; its history is checkered and it is glaring for all to see, but its potentials are certainly overwhelming. Without doubt, out state has a great prospect to be the gateway to national prosperity. The greatest asset of the state remains its human resources with intelligence, education and most importantly, enlightenment that is sufficient to propel the state beyond the widest dreams of unrepentant cynics.
Intellectually, the state is still afloat with its fair share of professionals and educators transversing various fields and occupations leaving their footprints on the sands of their career shores. Culturally, Ogun State remains a factor with its diversified cultural heritage spanning centuries of growth and maturation making the state of veritable reservoir of cherished traditional arts and values.
Commercially, our people are making waves nationally and internationally and to try to emphasis the fact will amount to simply begging the question. The entrepreneurial ability of the Ogun man is not contestable and that he is a shrewd businessman is almost a proverb. Consensually, he is an economist by nature, stature and posture. He does not pretend otherwise.
In almost all facets of life, our men and women are issues of important contention and there is hardly a doubt that God's hand are permanently resting on our state and us. What with the fact that the life camps of the nations biggest churches are all in Ogun State?
Ogun State is providentially endowed with man and materials, which is well harnessed, can sustain even the whole nation. Everything that need be possessed has been given to the state by God. So the Almighty cannot be accused of marginalisation.
The military is being continuously blamed for the mess and morass that this country is in today, but we also know that civilians collaborated with them; the older generation is being put to task for the present socio-political failure of the nation, but we also know that the younger generation is hardly doing better; some regions of the Nigerian society are being castigated for the woes of the country, we also know that no section can claim absolute innocence.
Today, we must resolve to start to tell ourselves some candid truths. Did civilians not participate and collaborate in the past military regimes that administered this country and the various states? Are the youths especially their leaders not acting in ways hostile to the welfare and aspiration of youths in this country? Can any region successfully oppress the whole country without the participation and collaboration of some members of other regions? When our people were opportuned to lead and govern us, how better did they fare? If they had performed, why is the clamour of our people so vehement?
But today, is there any alternative to change? In the country, is there alternative to change? Generally, is there any alternative to "Business Unusual?" Yes, there is another alternative. An alternative of discontent and agitation, an alternative of personal and social insecurity, an alternative of pervasive violence and complete destruction.
Today, the process for change has started and we as a people are irredeemably committed to the future. We do not have interest in the past except to learn from it and the only lesson we have learnt is the absolute need for change. And this change we have faithfully pledged to work for by investing the best of us, our means, our talents, our materials, our souls and if need be our lives. At this point in time when there are no other acceptable alternatives, we wish to reiterate emphatically with all air of seriousness, with all sense of duty and with all mien of sobriety that we are already past the operation of fear and our only driving force is our passion for progressive change. Progress come rain or shine, progress even if the heaven falls, progress because that is the stirring singular desire of our people.
But to help commit the state to the sublime mission of redeeming itself, our people need to wait awhile, take stock and re-strategise. So the question is - where do we start from and where do the people begin their march towards progress? We must start by making people the centrepiece of our crusade - the old and the young, the elite and the suburbanite, the prince and the pauper, the man and the woman, the administrator and the administred. This is because in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
"Not gold but only men can make a nation great and stong. Men who for truth and honour's sake stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, who dare while others shy. They build a nation's pillar deep and lift them to the sky".
Today, like through history, what we present yet another call to those who have soul, spirit and conscience. Today, another clarion call is made by the people possessing some milk of humanity in them. Today, we are calling on all and sundry to join us in this voyage where there shall be no retreat and no surrender, convinced in the words of our late mentor Chief Obafemi Awolowo that:
"One can be flexible about means and methods but one must be absolutely rigid or immutable about goals and ideas once one is convinced one is right".
Hence, we shall labour our duty to the point of honour for it is not for personal glory that we move, but the glory and greatness of our land.
At this juncture, at this moment of assurances and repeated self-assurances based on idealistic realities and the expectations of our people in dire distress, at this critical moment of historical reappraisal, I crave your collective indulgence to ask a most pertinent question.
Whoever you are, has the time come or not in your life when the situation around you suddenly pushes to the fore, and when your mind in the core of you says - let us come together and do something for our people's sake.
As you all continue to ruminate over this question here, and hereafter, in the name of Ogun State, in the name of all that is good, in the name of progress, land in the name of Gateway Front Foundation, I welcome you most sincerely. May the Good Lord be with us.
Thanks to God who has Given Ogun state such a wonderful Governor like Daniel.
About Him.
One bright morning in 1978 at the Park Lane, Apapa residence of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a press conference was being held. It was organized by the committee of friends. The world press conference was planned to announce the birth of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Amongst the committee was a young University undergraduate. He was the youngest member of the committee made up of the best political brains in the land. That young man is Justus Olugbenga Daniel.
Gbenga Daniel, as he is more popularly known, was born on 6th April 1956 into the family of the Right Reverend Abraham Adebola Daniel. His achievements in life, however, belie his rather young age. But this is hardly surprising. For his early life was replete with unmistakable pointers to a preparation for a constantly higher role in life. Young Gbenga showed very early in life that clear determination to take charge of his own life and the lives of others that is one of the distinctive hallmarks of leadership. In his secondary school year at the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, he was the Education Prefect, by no means of mean feat in a school like the great BBHS that was then a breeding ground of leadership materials. He also served as Chaplain of the llugun Baptist Church at the instance of his school principal who must have recognized the sterling and God fearing qualities of the teenage Gbenga even at that tender age. In addition, he was the school organist, standing out from among his many school mates who were also adept at the keyboard.
Gbenga Daniel was to carry these leadership qualities into University of Lagos where he was president of the Engineering Society and also Chief of the Kosmik Club, one of the philanthropic students organizations in those days at the University. He was however, still able to combine his crowded extracurricular schedule with high academic achievement, passing out in the Upper Second Class Division in Mechanical Engineering. He was also to achieve a fair measure of fame as a protégé of the greatest Nigeria engineers that ever lived.
Establishing himself very early in life in his chosen profession, Gbenga Daniel has been able to make his mark as a Nigerian engineer of note, specializing in lifts, cranes and power system. He combines integrity with intellect, and character with competence. These qualities enabled him move almost effortlessly through a succession of highly demanding career positions in blue chip organizations, starting from Mandilas to Metal Box to African petroleum to the Lagos State Polytechnic, and then to Metal Construction and finally H.F. Schroeder. In all these organizations he gave a good account of himself, especially in highly competitive environments. Gbenga Daniel thrives best where the competition is stiff and the challenges are daunting.
Work in reputable organization prepared Gbenga Daniel very well towards starting off his own reputable business outfit. Today, his firm, kresta Laurel Limited has become a household name and the engineering company of choice for people genuinely interested in quality service and durable products. The company's stamp is on many buildings and structure across the nation. From servicing high-rise buildings, Gbenga Daniel has further established himself as a high-flier in his chosen profession.
Yet Gbenga Daniel has also combined professional competence with a social vision, making immense contributions in the areas of community and public service. After several years of discretely operating as a philanthropist, he decided to establish the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF) to serve as the central organ of his philanthropic initiatives. Today, Gateway Front Foundation an NGO has grown into an impressive machinery for delivering much needed assistance to the poor and downtrodden across Ogun State.
GFF has as its central theme and mode of operation; "Touching lives through Business Unusual". In the two years of activities, the true rural population of our dear state are having their lives touched by GFF's cardinal programs of Micro Credit, Trade Empowerment Scheme, Mobile Health Service, Children Deworming and Education Support. Testimonies abound of "Rekindled Hope" all over Ogun State from the interventions GFF managed from the staffed zonal offices in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu ode, Otta and Illaro.
Credit goes to Otunba Daniel who as chairman of the GFF collective leadership, has motivated many highly qualified and busy professionals to volunteer time and resources to Gateway Front Foundation's activities -a credible conduit for grass root development.
With his lovely wife Chief (Mrs.) Olufunke Daniel, always beside him as he ventures out to fight life's great battles, Aare Gbenga Daniel has built his home on strong family values. He has touched so many lives in positive ways, helping to give hope to the hopeless and voice to the voiceless. His decision to offer himself for higher service is also furtherance of a vision of life more abundant for his people.
It is a vision that many royal majesties and the entire people of Yoruba land have rightly recognised with the conferment of the following respective titles:
- Aare Asoludero of Makun Sagamu
- Amayederun of Iraniken Sagamu
- Asaln of Ibido Sagamu
- Otunba Majiobaje of Ilaporu
- Ogidiomo of Odolewu
- Akinrogun of Iro
- Akorewolu of Ilodo Ijebu
- Baba Egbe Jagunmolu of Akile Ijebu
- Balogun Egbe Bobakeye of Ijebu land
- Fesojoye of Ile - Ife
- Fiwajoye of Ipokia land
- Kinihun of Ilara - Remo
- Otunba Adeoti of Omu Ijebu land
- Arole of Remo land
Today, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the humane politician with strong attraction for the people, is taking after his political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. "A WORLD RESTORED".
The Ever Smiling Man.
His Mission in Ogun State.
IN THE BEGINNING
At independence in1960, the Nigerians were full of expectations and filled with hope. The area now known as Ogun State was then part of the western region that was ruled by the action group. The motto of the party was "life more abundant" and the party was indeed true to its credo. The people of the region felt the positive impact of a dedicated and committed government under the able leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Our people were happy. There was cure for the sick and infirm, food for the hungry, education for the youth and a speedy and progressive development of human and social infrastructure.
Generally, professionals, artisans, the self-employed, traders and market woman, farmers, youths and even students were not left out in this gigantic march of progress. The future seemed very bright indeed.
This progressive tradition survived into the advent of Ogun, one of the states carved out of the then Western State in 1976. Under the government of the Unity party of Nigeria (1979-1983), the forward march continued with tremendous enthusiasm. Powered by mass support anchored on the antecedents and legitimacy of the ruling party, development not only happened, it was seen to be happening and it was equally felt across the State.
At the termination of this regime by the usurping military junta, unbeatable legacies were already solidly established in Ogun State. The foundation for development had been laid and all that was required for take-off was commitment on the part of the succeeding leadership.
OUR RECENT PAST
The return of the military to governance in 1984 was a grand misfortune for the people of Nigeria in general for Ogun State in particular. In the state, the labours of our heroes past were deliberately taken apart and eventually rubbished. Life took a turn for the worse and our people lost their peace, their pride and their prosperity.
We were all part of this sad reality. People became hungry, sick and diseased, our schools became grounded with teachers treated with contempt, our prisoners were out rightly abused and many died. The labour situation stared with underemployment and degenerated into acute unemployment. Our old and aged were incapacitated while our youths were turned to dropouts. The life of plenty hitherto enjoyed became a life of pain, a life of abundance became a life of agony. The people cried, wept and craved for change. At the turbulent collapse of the military rule, the people heaved a sigh of relief.
THE PRESENT
Today, has the much -desired dividends of democracy materialized? Has the craving for change diminished? Has our thirst for change satiated? Is our desire for speedy progress and visible development misplaced? Are the people wrong to demand for a better life? Are they justified to ask for sincere, serious and committed service from their leaders? Where are we? Where are our hopes? Where are our expectations? Where are the messiahs? When shall we, the people of Ogun State get to our promise land in our land? Why should our people continue to suffer in the midst of abundant potentials? What is the problem and how can it be addressed.
OUR FUTURE
The people of Ogun State are tired of having no positive reference point expect from the past. They are equally fed up with rationalizing the lacklustre performance of the present. From Yewa to Remo, from Ijebu to Egba, it is the same sad story of neglect and insincerity towards the people. Now, the people want genuine change. They are tired of pretentious progressives. They are tired of Business-As-Usual politics.
The people want to relive the joys of the glorious past when leaders still cared for people. They want food on their tables, they want good health, they want education for their children, they want a responsive and responsible government to call their own, they want a good society to live in. THE PEOPLE ARE NOT ASKING FOR MIRACLES, BUT THEY DEMAND TRANSPARENT COMMITMENT. They will not settle for less.
THE INSPIRATION
Otunba Gbenga Daniel is the answer to the prolonged cries and cravings of the people of Ogun State for development and greatness. He is a honest answer to their deep aspirations for a complete break from the failures of the past. His crusade is to vanguard the already disenchanted but mobilised people. His goal is to make Ogun State a model for others to emulate.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel is focused, resourceful and determined to effect a timely realisation of a new dawn in the lives of our people. Otunba Gbenga Daniel is dedicated to arresting the human, social and economical drift of a promising state.
His favourite Quotable Quotes.
"In present-day Nigeria…..One thing is common to the poor and the rich. Practically all of them are unhappy for some or all of the following reasons: their lives and properties are not safe as before; their economic activities are in constant danger of unwarranted control, restraint, and extinction; and their welfare and freedom suffer continual derogation". - Obafemi Awolowo
"….now, the task ahead is greater service toward rebuilding the nation….." - Olusegun Obasanjo
"to those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required - not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich". - John F. Kennedy
"The state owes every citizen one primary duty, that is the preservation of his dignity as the progeny of Adam. As someone has said towards that end, it is necessary that society guarantees him food, lodging, clothing, education and emplyment as well as his right to express his opinion, participate in the political life of his country and to be assured of his own security and that of his kin". - Anonymous
"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". - Margaret Mead
"…We know more definitely than we ever did before, the directions which men must move if a better world is to arise… We see that men's political dealings with one another are based on wholly wrong ideals, and can only be saved by quite different ideals from continuing to be a source of suffering, devastation and sin". - Bertrand Russel
"We must all be deeply committed to change. We must all recognise the fact that there is certainly a limit to human tolerance of inequality and that sooner or later a change will inevitably come. It is either we start the revolution towards that inevitable change, or be prepared for the consequences of our inaction". - Akinola Aguda
"We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbour, who is prompt to help a friend, who has those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life. It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed…… In the last analysis a healthy lives; when the children are so trained that they shall endeavor, not to shirk difficulties, but to overcome them; not to seek ease, but to know how to wrest triumph from toil and risk". - Theodore Roosevelt
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