Gbenga Daniel

**Otunba Gbenga Daniel: A Biography** **Otunba Gbenga Daniel** (born 6 April 1956) is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and engineer. He is widely recognized for his service as the Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011. Currently, he serves as the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District. **Early Life and Education** Born in 1956, Gbenga Daniel’s educational journey began at Baptist Boys' High School, Abeokuta, where he obtained his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate between 1969 and 1973. He continued his studies at the School of Basic Studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, before attending the School of Engineering at the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Lagos Business School. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FNAEng), and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD). **Career Progression and Achievements** Daniel’s professional career started in engineering and business before his foray into politics. He served as the former President of the Nigerian-Finnish Business Council. His major political career began when he was elected Governor of Ogun State, serving two terms from 2003 to 2011. During his tenure as governor, his administration focused heavily on Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, which successfully attracted numerous businesses and investors into the state. He is also the founder of Conference Hotels, with branches established in Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Abeokuta, and Isheri part of Lagos. **Current Status and Notable Works** Otunba Gbenga Daniel is currently the Senator representing the Ogun East Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. He has been actively involved in national politics, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a long period with the Peoples Democratic Party. He continues to contribute to public discourse, recently expressing optimism about Nigeria's economic recovery under the current administration, stating that "the worst is over" regarding the nation’s challenges. His notable publications include the memoirs *Daniel in Lion's Den* and books such as *Otunba Gbenga Daniel – The Man, His World, His Visions*, and *Ogun State Political Economy*.