The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) South West has commended the lawmaker representing Ogun East District at the national assembly, Senator Gbenga Daniel for his significant contributions to the empowerment of youth and the revitalization of quality and affordable education in Ogun State.
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Recalling his tenure as governor, NANS highlights several impactful initiatives spearheaded by Senator Daniel that have left an indelible mark on the state’s development and the lives of its students.
A press statement by the NANS’ leadership and signed by the NANS South West Director of Gender, Oyegoke Yemisi, Ex Officio NANS, Com. Olasunkanmi Aliu and NANS director of media, Com. Pitan Durojaiye, read:
“There are two men that are unforgettable in a community; man that turns a forest into a city and another who turns a city into a forest. This is why NANS SOUTHWEST can’t but thread the memory lane reemphasize the magnificent contributions of OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL towards empowerment of youths, especially the revitalization of quality and affordable education in Ogun State.
“Unarguably, Senator Gbenga Daniel remains the most accommodative and listening Governor in the history of Ogun students movement. Our position is backed several of his developmental programs during his time as governor of Ogun State.”
Those key initiatives, according to NANS, were:
- Ogun State Employment Generation Programme (OGEGEP): This initiative trained individuals in various vocational and agricultural activities, providing them with necessary facilities and engagement opportunities.
- Human Capital Development Programme (HUCAP): Offered educational scholarships to brilliant but indigent students for overseas training, resulting in many beneficiaries significantly contributing to local development.
- Teaching Service Employment Scheme: Employed numerous professionals in the teaching sector, enhancing access to and quality of education in public schools.
- Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE): Created job opportunities to enhance road safety and traffic control across the state.
- Ogun State Rural Medical Services (OGRUMED): Provided free medical treatment and surgeries to rural communities.
- Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA): Offered loan facilities to support agricultural and small business development.
- Ogun State Electrification Project (OGSEP): Aimed to electrify key public facilities and their surrounding communities.
- Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (OGROMA): A home-grown road rehabilitation and construction agency that developed local competencies, prevented capital flight, and created employment opportunities.
- Sports Development: Built three international standard stadia to support sports development and provide opportunities for talented youth.
- Power Plants: Procured 20 power plants to supply electricity to public facilities, with only the plant installed during Daniel’s administration currently in use.
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED): The first University of Education in Nigeria, which created employment and admission opportunities while improving teacher education.
- ICT Polytechnics: Established polytechnics in Ijebu Igbo, Saapade, Igbesa, and Itori to prepare youths for the information technology age.
- Free Trade Zones: Initiated three Free Trade Zones, including Olokola FTZ, Kajola FTZ, and Ogun Quandong FTZ in Igbesa.
- Trailer Parks: Constructed trailer parks to improve logistics and transportation infrastructure.
- Legacy Projects: Initiated projects like the Deep Sea Port, Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG), Agro Cargo Airport, among others.
NANS South West urges Senator Gbenga Daniel to continue his commendable efforts despite challenges.
“NANS SOUTHWEST seizes this medium to urge OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL not to relent in doing good despite ceaseless victimization from the Tax Collectors of OGUN STATE who have failed to deliver on their pledges to the good people of the state who voted them in.”
The association calls on him to focus on several areas that are vital to Nigerian students, including:
- Increased Bursary Awards: While acknowledging ongoing efforts, NANS requests additional bursary support for indigent students.
- Regular Engagements with Youth and Student Leaders: Encouraging frequent meetings to discuss and address students’ concerns.
- Facilitation of Job Opportunities: Emphasizing the need for more job opportunities for graduates, particularly those from institutions established by Daniel.
“We deeply appreciate Senator Gbenga Daniel’s unwavering commitment to the development of Ogun State and the empowerment of its youth.
His innovative programmes have transformed the lives of many, and we encourage him to sustain these efforts,” said Oyegoke.
“We urge Senator Daniel to keep engaging with the student community and continue providing the necessary support to enhance educational opportunities and job prospects for our youth,” added Com. Aliu.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
