Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has expressed confidence that Nigeria is steadily emerging from its recent economic difficulties, declaring that the toughest phase of the country’s challenges is now behind it.
Daniel attributed the gradual recovery to policy decisions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and renewed efforts to address insecurity as reforms already laying the foundation for long-term national stability.
The senator made the remarks on Sunday while addressing congregants at the annual family thanksgiving service held at Abraham Tabernacle in Sagamu, Ogun State. He thanked God for sustaining the nation and commended President Tinubu for what he described as the courage and vision required to implement difficult but necessary reforms.
“We must first thank God Almighty for preserving our country. We must also appreciate the President for creating the enabling environment and providing leadership at a critical time,” Daniel said. “We are seeing concrete efforts to tackle insecurity, and although inflation rose sharply, there are indications that it is beginning to moderate.”
He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s situation would continue to improve, stressing that patience and collective responsibility were essential. “Nigeria can only get better. The worst is over, and gradually, steadily, things will improve,” he added.
Daniel also emphasised the role of prayer in national healing, noting that the large gathering of clergy at the event was a sign of growing collective commitment to the country’s wellbeing. “When you see over 200 clergymen come together simply to pray for Nigeria, it tells you that progress is being made. We must continue to pray for our nation and for our hardworking President,” he said.
Addressing public distrust toward politicians, the former governor lamented what he described as a widespread tendency to label all political leaders as corrupt. He argued that while misconduct exists in politics, some leaders remain committed to selfless service, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“It is often assumed that all politicians are liars or thieves, but that is not always the case,” Daniel said. “Some of us are guided by the principles and legacy of Chief Awolowo, whose life of service continues to inspire us. For more than two decades, I have tried to serve with integrity, despite the imperfections of the political space.”
The senator also highlighted his personal interventions in Ogun State, including empowerment programmes involving the distribution of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines and freezers, facilitation of road and borehole projects, and sponsorship of eye surgeries for more than 4,000 beneficiaries.
He pledged to continue complementing government efforts to improve living standards and promote socio-economic development in the state.
The thanksgiving service attracted several prominent personalities, including business mogul Sir Adebukola Kensington; Mrs Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola; Dr Olatokunbo Dosumu-Awolowo; and the 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu.
Others in attendance were NADECO leaders Chief Ayo Opadokun and Senator Femi Okurounmu; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro; former Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora; and traditional rulers from across the state.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Adebutu urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite prevailing economic pressures. “This is a sensitive period for the country, but we serve a God of grace and mercy. Better days are ahead, and Nigerians must remain hopeful,” he said.
