Senator representing Ogun East and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, urging Nigerians to look beyond temporary hardship and focus on the long-term benefits of the ongoing policy changes.
Daniel, who spoke in Sagamu on Sunday during the 4th edition of the Asiwaju of Remo Christians Choir Festival, commended Tinubu for what he described as “quiet but strategic revolutions” targeted at stabilising the nation’s economy and improving governance structures.
Highlighting Tinubu’s push for local government autonomy and the establishment of development commissions, Daniel noted that such policies were already yielding results.
“For years, local governments were practically comatose, but today, thanks to Tinubu’s leadership, they are beginning to receive funds directly and becoming functional again,” he said.
He added that the president’s assent to the bill establishing the South-West Development Commission is a game-changer, likening it to the era of regional governments under the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “This move gives the South-West a platform to drive collective development across member states, beyond federal and state structures,” he added.
The senator also pointed to the fiscal impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it had led to increased monthly allocations to states. He noted that further gains were expected when the newly assented tax reform bill becomes operational next year. “With that, some states could earn four to five times their current monthly allocation,” he said.
On state creation, Daniel made a significant revelation: the people of Remo land have shelved their separate agitation for Remo State and agreed to join forces with their Ijebu kinsmen for the proposed Ijebu-Remo State. According to him, the consensus was reached on the condition that the identity and culture of the Remo people would be respected.
He stated, “We have now resolved that instead of going alone, we will work together with our Ijebu brothers. The demand now is for an Ijebu-Remo State—just as it was done with Akwa Ibom. This is unity with understanding, not submission.”
Also speaking at the event, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated that the Remo people are not in conflict with their Ijebu neighbours. “We are not fighting Ijebu. We only want assurance that our identity will not be swallowed in the new state arrangement,” the monarch said.
The music festival, sponsored by Daniel, featured 10 choirs from different parts of the country. Singinspiration Chorale, from Onitsha, Anambra State, emerged winner of the competition, clinching the N5 million grand prize.
Messiah Chorale from Ile Ife, Osun State, came second with N3.5 million, while De Emerald Chorale from Akure, Ondo State, came third, taking home N2.5 million.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olaide Adelani, praised Daniel for his spiritual and cultural investments, stating that such initiatives promote harmony, unity and faith in the country.
Daniel said he launched the choral festival over two decades ago as an act of gratitude to God and a platform to nurture young talents in gospel music.
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