Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), representing Ogun East Senatorial District, on Sunday led his team to Abigi in Ijebu Waterside Local Government for the Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour.
Speaking at the event held on the Nigerian Navy land, which is now under active construction, Senator Daniel highlighted the significance of the vast parcel that had been allocated to the Navy for over fifty years without use.
“This land was given to the Navy over fifty years ago, but nothing was done until now. Work is not starting today because of haste, but because of deliberate effort. As your senator and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, I have worked strategically with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is fully behind this implementation,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to the families who released the land and extended special appreciation to the traditional rulers of Ijebu Waterside, acknowledging their consistent support and unity.
Senator Daniel particularly honoured Oba Adeboye Adebayo, the Lenuwa of Odo Omi, describing his stool as one of the most important in Ijebu Waterside. He also recognized the presence and backing of other royal fathers, including the Linken of Iwopin, the Onipe of Ibu, the Oloja of Ayede, the Elero of Itebu Manuwa, the Onirokun of Irokun, the Alarigbe of Ibiade, the Onisin of Ilusin, the Ojotumoro of Abigi, the Osobia of Makun Omi, and the Oloni of Oni.
He also mentioned the Elefire of Ifire, who, though unavoidably absent due to health reasons, sent a royal representative with his staff of office. Daniel thanked all the monarchs for their unwavering support and cooperation.
Explaining the scope of the Naval Base Project, Daniel said it would unfold in three phases:
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Phase One: Officers’ accommodation, administrative buildings, perimeter fencing, and internal road construction.
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Phase Two: Establishment of a Navy Secondary School.
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Phase Three: Construction of a Naval Hospital to serve the surrounding communities.
He described a naval base as a “Naval city that guarantees security wherever it is established,” assuring residents that the project would bring lasting development and safety to Ijebu Waterside.
The senator further urged the people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term to ensure the completion of the remaining phases of the Naval Base project.
“Unless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does a second term, he may not have the opportunity to approve the other phases of this great project. We must therefore vote him in again so he can continue the good work he has started,” he appealed.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor, Daniel recalled his earlier vision for the Gateway Industrial and Petroleum Institute (GIPI) and the proposed Odo-Omi Deep Seaport, projects designed to prepare locals for opportunities in upcoming refineries and industrial ventures.
“The GIPI project was created to train those who will work in the refinery. It’s a dream we started years ago, and we are going back to it now,” he said.
He also referenced the recent upgrade of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to a Federal University of Education, assuring that funding has begun to flow. He added that similar attention would be directed towards the GIPI project in early 2026.
To further empower small-scale entrepreneurs, Daniel promised to implement the second phase of his microcredit finance programme for market women in Ijebu Waterside.
The event concluded with the distribution of empowerment materials — including fridges, deep freezers, tailoring machines, grinding machines, and fertilizers — shared across the eleven wards of the local government. Residents received the gesture with excitement and heartfelt gratitude, praising Senator Daniel for his continued commitment to grassroots development and community progress.
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