Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has declared that Nigeria is gradually emerging from its most difficult period of insecurity and economic strain, expressing confidence that 2026 will usher in renewed hope and stability for the country.
The former Ogun State governor made the remarks on Sunday at his family’s 21st Annual Thanksgiving Service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle, Sagamu, Ogun State. The annual event drew a large gathering of ambassadors, lawmakers, political associates, Christian leaders and prominent Nigerians from different parts of the country.
According to Daniel, recent developments show that the economic and governance reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to deliver results, even though Nigerians initially bore the brunt of the policy changes.
“The early days were tough, especially with rising inflation, but today we are beginning to hear encouraging reports that the nation’s debt profile is reducing. These are signs that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Daniel attributed the gradual improvement to what he described as an enabling environment created by the Tinubu administration, stressing that the reforms, though painful at the onset, were necessary for long-term national stability.
“Above all, we thank God Almighty for His grace over our nation, and we appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing leadership at a critical time,” he added.
Speaking on national security, the senator maintained that Nigeria has moved past the worst phase, insisting that the situation will continue to improve steadily.
“The worst is over. Hope is steadily becoming reality, and things are getting better. When you see over 200 clergymen gathering to pray for Nigeria, it tells you that we are making progress,” Daniel stated.
He also addressed public distrust toward politicians, urging Nigerians to assess leaders by consistency and track records rather than sweeping generalisations.
“I became governor in 2003, and for over two decades, I have related with our people. If in all these years they cannot point to one lie I have told, then they should know how to judge me,” he said.
During the service, Daniel acknowledged the presence of Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, noting that her late father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, once held the title of Asiwaju of Remo Christians before his passing. He explained that he later succeeded another prominent Remo Christian who occupied the position after Awolowo’s demise.
Delivering the sermon, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), preached from Psalms 50:23, highlighting thanksgiving as a powerful spiritual tool that attracts divine intervention and favour. He cited King David as a biblical example of one who enjoyed God’s blessings through gratitude.
The event was attended by notable personalities, including Chief Kensington Adebutu; former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola; former Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Ambassador Marcus-Bello; Hon. Ladi Adebutu; NADECO chieftain Chief Ayo Opadokun; Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo; and real estate mogul Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.
Also in attendance were royal fathers, business leaders and religious figures such as Anglican Archbishop Michael Olusina Fape, leaders of the Methodist Church, Church of the Lord (Aladura), Baptist Church and other Christian denominations.
Now in its 21st year, the annual thanksgiving service has evolved into a major spiritual and social gathering, bringing together national leaders and worshipers to pray for Remo land, Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
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