Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun State governor and current representative of Ogun East in the National Assembly, formally opened the 25th anniversary activities of the Gateway Front Foundation in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, unveiling a fresh programme of healthcare, agricultural and economic support while publicly backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The anniversary marks 25 years since the foundation, established by Daniel around the turn of the millennium, began its work under the guiding philosophy of “Rekindling Hope”.
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The organisation has historically focused on humanitarian assistance and grassroots empowerment, with programmes spanning healthcare, education, agriculture and support for small businesses.
Earlier accounts of its activities include free eye care, medical interventions, scholarships and livelihood assistance.
Speaking to the foundation’s Local Government Managers in Sagamu, Daniel urged those responsible for coordinating its activities to ensure that the anniversary translated into practical assistance for residents rather than becoming simply a commemorative exercise.
The renewed structure is intended to strengthen the foundation’s reach across Ogun East.
In July, Daniel approved a reorganisation that introduced Local Government Managers alongside an Executive Secretary, with the stated aim of expanding grassroots interventions and community engagement.
The foundation has also strengthened its professional leadership. In August, Daniel approved the appointment of Dr Babatunde Onadeko as Executive Secretary and Dr Bankole Adegboyega Osisanya as Chief Medical Consultant.
The appointments were presented as part of efforts to improve the organisation’s capacity in healthcare, humanitarian programmes and community development.
A major feature of the anniversary programme will be a 14-day medical mission at Redeemer’s Health Village, RCCG Camp, Mowe, Ogun State, from October 9 to 24.
The initiative is being organised with Sharing Hope Medical Mission in the United States, Sharing Hope and Care Foundation and Redeemer’s Health Village.
Planned services include major and minor surgeries, gynaecological procedures, eye surgery, orthopaedic care, burn and plastic surgery, alongside medical supplies and training for healthcare practitioners.
The organisers of the wider anniversary programme say the medical mission is intended to ease the burden on people who might otherwise struggle to afford specialist treatment.
The initiative also places emphasis on training local health workers, giving the intervention a capacity-building element beyond the immediate treatment of patients.
Healthcare has been a recurring part of the foundation’s work. A recent outreach conducted with Eye Foundation Hospital provided free eye care to residents of Ogun East, while previous reports have documented other medical and livelihood interventions associated with the organisation.
The anniversary programme also extends beyond healthcare.
Farmers are expected to receive agricultural inputs, fertiliser and training, while students will be supported with educational materials.
Market traders are also expected to benefit from a microcredit scheme designed to provide small loans for business activities.
Those measures reflect the foundation’s longer-standing emphasis on helping beneficiaries become more economically self-reliant rather than relying solely on one-off assistance.
The political dimension of the anniversary was also visible at the Sagamu gathering, where vehicles presented to Local Government Managers carried images of President Tinubu. Daniel used the occasion to reiterate his support for Tinubu’s bid for another term in office in 2027.
Daniel has previously expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election. In September 2025, the former Ogun governor said he and his grassroots political structure backed the President’s second-term bid, while also highlighting economic reforms he associated with the administration.
That position places the latest endorsement within an established political relationship rather than making it a new declaration.
Daniel’s political influence in Ogun has also been accompanied by internal tensions within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress.
In April 2026, a planned empowerment programme linked to his grassroots activities was disrupted after police officers reportedly blocked access to its venue in Ijebu-Ode.
Reports at the time placed the incident within a wider dispute involving Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun over political issues in Ogun East.
Against that background, the GFF anniversary combines humanitarian activity with an unmistakable political message.
For the foundation, however, the immediate programme remains focused on practical interventions.
The planned medical mission, agricultural support, educational assistance and microcredit scheme are intended to give the 25th anniversary a tangible dimension for communities across Ogun East.
The October medical outreach, in particular, is expected to provide a significant intervention for residents requiring specialist treatment, while the training component is designed to leave a longer-term benefit within the local healthcare system.
Also read: GFF announces free medical screening in Sagamu
As the Gateway Front Foundation enters its 26th year, Daniel’s organisation is therefore seeking to reinforce an identity built around health, education, enterprise and grassroots support, while its founder continues to play an active role in Ogun’s political landscape and has reaffirmed his backing for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
