Photo File: Former Governor of Ogun State Gbenga Daniel

Former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has called on citizens to take responsibility for the quality of leadership in a democracy while announcing plans to establish a youth development and digital training centre in the constituency.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with youths and community members, attended by Eagle FM’s Correspondence, Victoria Sangobanwo, Daniel said, “The problem we have is leadership, and who determines leadership? It is you. If you don’t have good leadership, you are the problem.”

He stressed that in a democracy, power lies in numbers, but voters often allow themselves to be manipulated with short-term incentives during elections. “You take ten thousand naira today and tomorrow your suffering continues. That is why nothing changes,” he said.

Highlighting his achievements while in office, Daniel said his administration focused on job creation and youth empowerment. “When I became governor in 2003, Ogun State had about 15,000 civil servants, but my government doubled that number. I promised that in my eight years, I would not sack one person, and I kept that promise. We employed another 15,000 people and created temporary and permanent jobs for youths,” he said.

Daniel also spoke about the public works and empowerment schemes introduced under his administration, which provided stipends and skill training for unemployed youths, later absorbing them into full employment. “One of those boys we took off the street and trained in paint production later became one of the biggest paint merchants in Africa,” he noted.

Turning to future initiatives, Daniel announced plans for a youth development and digital training centre focused on artificial intelligence and digital literacy. “The future is AI. That centre will have facilities for artificial intelligence training so that our youths can compete globally,” he said, adding that discussions had been held with the Minister of Communications to bring major digital and technology projects to the area.

On economic development, the former governor highlighted a large refinery project in the region, estimating that it could create jobs for about 50,000 people annually. “That refinery is one of the biggest in the world, and it will change the future of this community,” he said.

Daniel concluded with a call for greater civic engagement, urging citizens to be responsible in choosing their leaders and to continue advocating for good governance. “People get what they agitate for. If you continue to ask for the right things, things will change,” he told the audience.

The town hall meeting ended with a strong appeal for sustained youth participation, civic awareness, and continued advocacy for development across Ogun State.

Report By Victoria Sangobanwo