Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has identified poor information systems, corruption, and declining leadership ethics as major obstacles to Nigeria’s development.
Daniel made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of four books to commemorate his 70th birthday at the Yar’Adua Centre.
Speaking at the event, the former governor expressed gratitude to God for life and the opportunity to serve Nigeria, while appreciating dignitaries in attendance, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Information Deficit Weakening Governance
Daniel noted that one of the most critical challenges facing Nigeria is the prevalence of misinformation and lack of credible data, which he said continues to distort public discourse and policy decisions.
According to him, many citizens and even elites rely on incomplete or misleading information, leading to poorly informed decisions that ultimately hinder national progress.
He stressed the need for deliberate investment in credible, fact-based information systems to promote informed citizenship and strengthen democratic engagement.
Corruption and Capital Flight
On corruption, Daniel emphasized the need for a holistic and systemic approach to tackling the menace, pointing out that illicit financial flows often pass through the banking system.
He said advances in financial technology should make it easier to trace illegal wealth, while urging greater utilization of institutions like the Code of Conduct Bureau to enforce accountability.
The former governor also highlighted capital flight as one of the most damaging effects of corruption, noting that stolen funds are often invested abroad, depriving Nigeria of critical development resources.
He proposed a structured amnesty or moratorium that would encourage the repatriation of such funds, provided they are reinvested into productive sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Call for Ethical Leadership
Daniel called for a restoration of dignity and ethical standards in leadership, stressing that public officials, religious leaders, and wealthy individuals must serve as role models.
He lamented the decline in ethical values in public service, where scrutiny over sudden wealth acquisition has weakened.
The senator urged a return to the Omoluabi ethos, a value system rooted in integrity, accountability, and moral uprightness, as a pathway to rebuilding trust in governance.
A Call to Action
While acknowledging Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, Daniel maintained that the country’s challenges are not insurmountable.
He urged Nigerians to move beyond rhetoric and commit to practical, result-driven actions that will accelerate development and improve citizens’ quality of life.
He concluded by thanking all attendees for their support and goodwill, and prayed for continued progress and unity in Nigeria.
