...As ambassadors, senators, clerics gather in Sagamu for his 21st annual thanksgiving.
The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has expressed strong optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring that the country has passed through the worst phase of its insecurity and economic challenges and that 2026 will be a good year for Nigerians.
Daniel made the remarks on Sunday during his family’s 21st Annual Thanksgiving Service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle, Sagamu, Ogun State, an event that attracted diplomats, lawmakers, Christian religious leaders, his political associates and other prominent Nigerians from across the country.
The former Ogun State governor said the economic and governance reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were beginning to yield positive results, despite the initial hardships experienced by citizens.
“First and foremost, we thank God Almighty for His grace over our lives and our nation. Beyond that, we must appreciate the President, the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing an enabling environment for people to thrive,” Daniel said.
He acknowledged that the early stages of the reforms were tough, particularly with the surge in inflation, but noted that there are now encouraging signs of recovery.
“In recent times, we witnessed significant challenges. At the beginning, inflation was quite high, but we are now beginning to hear that the nation’s debt profile is gradually coming down. Despite the difficulties, we remain grateful to God and hopeful that this year will be an unforgettable one in the annals of our country,” he added.
Responding to public skepticism about politicians, Senator Daniel insisted that not all public office holders are dishonest, urging Nigerians to assess leaders based on their track records.
“People often say politicians do not tell the truth. I have been holding this thanksgiving service for 21 years. I became governor in 2003, and this is 2026. That means for over 23 years, I have interacted with our people.
"If in all these years they have not found one lie or anything I said that turned out to be false, then they should know what to do with me,” he stated.
Speaking further on national security and expectations for the new year, Daniel maintained that the situation can only improve.
“The worst is over. Gradually and steadily, hope is becoming reality and things are getting better. When you look at the massive turnout here today, many people came on their own. Over 200 clergymen gathered to pray for Nigeria. That tells you we are getting somewhere. I have no doubt in my mind that this year will be a good year for our country,” he explained.
While appreciating the presence of Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu at the Thanksgiving service, Daniel disclosed to the congregants that her father, the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the holder of that title of Asiwaju of Remo Christians, until his death.
He(Daniel) however succeeded another Remo prominent Christian, who occupied the position after Awolowo's demise.
In his sermon, the guest speaker preacher, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), spoke from Psalms 50:23, stressing the power of thanksgiving and gratitude to God. He explained that consistent thanksgiving moves the throne of God and cited King David as a biblical example of someone who enjoyed divine favour through praise and gratitude.
The thanksgiving service was attended by several eminent 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 Awolowo-Dosunmu; former Nigeria Ambassador to the Ambassador Marcus-Bello; Hon. Ladi Adebutu, NADECO chieftain Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo, real estate magnate Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.
Also present were other political juggernauts, business magnates, royal fathers, religious leaders like: Anglican Archbishop Michael Olusina Fape, a Methodist Church professor from Ibadan, Oyo State, leaders and members of the Church of the Lord (Aladura), Baptist Church, and several others.
The annual thanksgiving, now in its 21st year, has become a major spiritual and social gathering, drawing religious leaders and dignitaries to pray for Remo, Ogun State and Nigeria's leadership and the people.
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