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Olorogun Dr. Sonny F. Kuku Commemorates Senator Gbenga Daniel’s 70th Birthday
Gbenga Daniel Tribute marks the senator’s 70th birthday, celebrating his leadership, mentorship, and public service achievements
Olorogun Dr Sonny F. Kuku, The Ogbeni Oja Akile Ijebu, on Tuesday paid tribute to Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, widely known as OGD, as he marked his 70th birthday, describing the distinguished lawmaker as a “born leader” whose career spans engineering, politics, and business.
Also read: Gbenga Daniel Commends Tinubu at 74 in Glowing Tribute
Dr Kuku, who has known Senator Daniel personally for over 35 years as a younger friend and Aburo, highlighted OGD’s exceptional dedication, noting that he was born into a devout Christian family where hard work and morality were central principles.
From a young age, Senator Daniel pursued his goals with determination, seeking mentorship from renowned figures across multiple fields.
In engineering, OGD was mentored by the late Professor Awojobi, ultimately rising to become a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
In politics, he trained under Chief Obafemi Awolowo and collaborated with Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, becoming one of the youngest Awoists and a key member of NADECO.
His political apprenticeship culminated in two terms as Governor of Ogun State and his current role as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senator Daniel also excelled in business, drawing inspiration from Otunba Subomi Balogun to establish the Kresta Laurel conglomerate, emerging as one of Nigeria’s most successful engineering entrepreneurs.
Dr Kuku emphasised OGD’s generosity, trustworthiness, religious devotion, charm, and sartorial elegance, noting his widespread influence across professional and personal spheres.
The tribute included a personal anecdote highlighting Senator Daniel’s compassion. In the early 2000s, Dr Kuku faced longstanding exclusion from the Royal Court of Awujale Oba SK Adetona due to a family feud.
When the Kabiyesi decided to confer the Otunba Obalofin title on Senator Daniel in 2007, OGD intervened to resolve the matter, securing Dr Kuku’s reinstatement. “Without OGD’s intervention, I might not be OGBENI OJA today,” he said.
Also read: Otunba Gbenga Daniel Champions Youth in OGD @ 70 Tournament
As Senator Daniel celebrates seven decades, Dr Kuku concluded, “May your days be long and your shadow never grow less. Happy and blessed 70th birthday.”
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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