Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has declared that Nigeria has passed through the most difficult phase of its current socio-economic challenges, expressing confidence that the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to produce positive outcomes.
Naijaonpoint reports that Daniel made the assertion on Sunday during his family’s 21st Annual Thanksgiving Service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle in Sagamu, Ogun State, where religious leaders, political associates and well-wishers gathered to offer prayers for the nation.
The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District acknowledged that the early phase of the reforms came with significant hardship for Nigerians, particularly with rising inflation and economic uncertainty, but insisted that the country is now witnessing gradual improvement.
“First and foremost, we thank God Almighty for His grace,” Daniel said.
“Beyond that, we must also appreciate the President, the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for providing an enabling environment for people to thrive.”
According to him, although Nigerians experienced severe challenges at the onset of the reforms, recent developments indicate that the economy is slowly stabilising.
“In recent times, we witnessed significant challenges. At the beginning, inflation was quite high, but we are now beginning to hear that the debt profile is gradually coming down,” he stated.
Daniel added that despite the difficulties, there is renewed optimism for the future of the country.
“Despite these difficulties, we remain grateful to God and hopeful that this new year will be an unforgettable one in the annals of our country,” he said.
Reinforcing his optimism, the senator maintained that Nigeria has crossed its lowest point and is now on the path to recovery.
“I have always said that things can only get better. The worst is over. Gradually and steadily, we are seeing positive signs,” Daniel declared.
He said the large turnout of religious leaders at the Thanksgiving service was a sign that the nation was moving in the right direction.
“When you see over 200 clergymen gathered simply to pray for Nigeria, it tells me that we are making progress. I strongly believe this year will be a good one for our nation,” he added.
Reacting to widespread public distrust of politicians, Daniel argued that not all political leaders are dishonest, urging Nigerians to judge him by his track record in public service.
“I have been engaged in public service and leadership for over 23 years. If in those years no one has been able to point out a single lie I have told or anything I said that turned out to be untrue, then Nigerians should judge me accordingly,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to give in to despair but to remain hopeful, steadfast and prayerful in the face of ongoing challenges.
Hold On To Hope – Adebutu
Also speaking at the event, a former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Ladi Adebutu, echoed Daniel’s optimism, calling on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite the prevailing difficulties.
Describing the current period as delicate, Adebutu said divine intervention would bring about positive change.
“This is a delicate time for the nation, particularly when things are difficult. But God is a God of grace and mercy, and I believe He will minister unto this nation such that things will get better,” he said.
“We should not lose hope; better days are coming,” Adebutu added.
Earlier in his sermon, the guest preacher, Reverend Wale Oke, who preached from Psalms 50:23, emphasised the power of thanksgiving, urging Christians to cultivate gratitude as a pathway to divine favour.
Reverend Oke, who is also the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, said thanksgiving moves the throne of God, noting that biblical figures such as King David enjoyed uncommon blessings because of their consistent praise and gratitude.
According to him, thanksgiving is not only a spiritual duty but a powerful tool for unlocking divine intervention in difficult times.
The Thanksgiving service attracted several eminent personalities from across the country, including Chief Kensington Adebutu, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola, Senator Ladi Adebutu and other political and religious leaders.
The event concluded with prayers for national unity, economic stability and peace, as speakers urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and supportive of efforts aimed at rebuilding the nation.