Emuoboh Ken Gbagi
Emuoboh Gbagi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Emuoboh Ken Gbagi 4 June 1985 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Alma mater |
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Emuoboh Ken Gbagi is a Nigerian businessman, politician, and community leader. He is the son of Olorogun Kenneth O. Gbagi,[1] a former Minister of State for Education in Nigeria.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Gbagi received his early education in Nigeria, attending Greensprings Primary School and Atlantic Hall Secondary School, both in Lagos.[3] He later completed his secondary education at Munster High School in Indiana, United States.[3] He began his higher education at Purdue University, USA, before transferring to Novena University, Delta State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.[3]
Business career
[edit]Gbagi started his professional journey in the United States, working as a car wash attendant in 2002 and as a sales clerk at KFC in 2004.[4] During his time at Purdue University,[3] he worked as a lab attendant. After returning to Nigeria in 2009, he became the Managing Director of GKO Properties Group,[5] managing various properties including Signatious Hotel in Warri, Delta State. He later founded Blue Delta Integrated Services Limited, an advertising company specializing in digital screens and signage.[5] This evolved into a larger group of businesses, including Exquisite Cuts, a men's grooming chain, and Blue Delta Petroleum Resources Ltd. He currently serves as the Chairman of the GKO Group of Companies, which operates in hospitality, construction, security, and oil and gas.[6]
Political career
[edit]Gbagi is a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).[5] He served as a delegate for Jeremi Ward 2 in Ughelli South Local Government Area in 2014 and 2018.[5] Although his bid for the Delta State House of Assembly in 2018 was unsuccessful, he held various positions within the Delta State Government.[5] From October 2015 to August 2018, he was the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).[7] He later served as Special Adviser to the Governor on DESOPADEC from October 2018 to May 2019 and as Special Adviser on Youth Development for two terms.[7] In July 2021, he became the Secretary of the College of Special Advisers, a role he held until May 2023.[5]
Community leadership
[edit]In recognition of his contributions to community development and youth leadership,[8] Gbagi was conferred with the traditional title of Ame of Ughelli Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, Oharisi, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom in January 2015.[9] In December 2024, following the passing of his father, he was installed as Ame of Ughievwen Kingdom during a ceremony at the royal palace presided over by His Majesty Dr. Matthew Ediri Egbi, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom.[10]
Philanthropy
[edit]Gbagi is actively engaged in philanthropic activities, including regular hospital visits to provide financial assistance to patients in need of medical care.[11] He is also committed to supporting education by visiting schools, aiding teachers, and providing learning materials for students.[12]
Awards and recognition
[edit]Gbagi is an awardee of the "Most Distinguished Youngest Office Holder of the Year (2019)" award by the Udu Icon/Role Model Awards.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ Igwe, Ignatius (2024-05-05). "Former Minister Kenneth Gbagi Dies At 62". Channels Television. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Oluwafemi, Ayodele (2024-05-05). "Kenneth Gbagi, former minister, dies aged 62". TheCable. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ a b c d Telegraph, New (2024-09-26). "Gbagi Recounts Journey Through Academic Excellence, Charges Youth to Value Education". New Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Meshioye, David (2024-09-21). "From KFC Clerk to Business Mogul: Chief Emuoboh's inspiring rise". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ a b c d e f Bankole, Idowu (2024-09-20). "Chief Emuoboh: A Political Journey Unveiled". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Nwafor (2024-09-22). "Emuoboh Gbagi continues father's legacy with filling station opening". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ a b Reporter, Our (2024-09-26). "My contribution to Niger Delta transformation with DESOPADEC — Gbagi". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Online, Tribune (2024-09-28). "Gbagi calls for investment in youths to secure Nigeria's future". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Bankole, Idowu (2024-09-26). "Chief Emuoboh Gbagi Honoured as Ame of Ughelli Kingdom". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Bankole, Idowu (2024-12-18). "Emuoboh Gbagi succeeds late father as 'Ame of Ughievwen Kingdom'". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Meshioye, David (2024-09-08). "World Charity Day: Delta businessman fetes patients at Otu-Jerem". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Reporter, Alao Abiodun | Senior (2024-10-10). "Gbagi fetes teachers at World Teachers Day 2024". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Agberebi, James (2019-11-23). "Emuoboh Gbagi Bags Prestigious Award as 2019 Most Distinguished Youngest Office Holder". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.