Gbenga Daniel (born 6 April 1956) is a Nigerian successful business man , politician, and Governor of Ogun State of Nigeria from 29 May 2003 to 28 May 2011. He was a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the owner of the Nigerian Compass, a daily newspaper.
Daniel was born on the 6th April, 1956. He attended the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta from 1969 to 1973, followed by studies at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the School of Engineering of the University of Lagos. His decision to study engineering was influenced by the brilliant engineer and teacher Ayodele Awojobi. Daniel spent much time with Awojobi, and was a winner on his television quiz show “Mastermind”.
Daniel became a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He obtained a job with Schrouder (W.A.) Limited, Lagos, rising to Deputy Managing Director. In 1990 he founded Kresta Laurel, an engineering firm specializing in elevators, overhead travelling cranes and hoists.
Daniel was elected governor of Ogun State in April 2003, running on the PDP platform. He acquired the chiefly title Otunba of the Egba clan of the state during the course of his first term. He was reelected in April 2007. His April 2007 election was disputed by rival candidate Ibikunle Amosun of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), but in August 2009 the Ogun State Election Petitions Tribunal dismissed the petition.
Daniel’s achievements while in office include building roads, recreational centres and stadiums in the three senatorial districts of the state, and setting up a University of Education. The Gateway International Stadium was a site of the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup which was held in Nigeria.
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