Emuoboh Gbagi (born June 1985) is a Nigerian businessman, politician, and community leader.

Emuoboh Gbagi
Emuoboh Gbagi
Born
Emuoboh Gbagi

(1985-06-04) 4 June 1985 (age 39)
NationalityNigerian
Alma mater
  • Greensprings Primary School
  • Atlantic Hall Secondary School
  • Munster High School, Munster
  • Purdue University
  • Novena University

Early life and education

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He is the son of Olorogun Kenneth O. Gbagi,[1] a former Minister of State for Education in Nigeria,[2] and Chief Mrs. Evelyn Gbagi. He is from Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

He had his early education in Nigeria, attending Greensprings Primary School and Atlantic Hall Secondary School, both in Lagos.[3] He later moved to the United States,[3] where he completed his secondary education at Munster High School in Indiana.[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]

Career

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Business career

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Gbagi worked at a car wash in 2002 and as a sales clerk at KFC in 2004.[4] While studying at Purdue University,[3] he worked as a lab attendant.

After returning to Nigeria in 2009, Gbagi became the managing director of GKO Properties Group,[5] overseeing 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 grew into a larger group of companies, which includes Exquisite Cuts, a men's grooming chain, and Blue Delta Petroleum Resources Ltd, an oil and gas company. He also serves as the chairman of the GKO Group of Companies, a conglomerate with interests in hospitality, construction, security, and oil and gas.[6]

Political career

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Gbagi entered politics after his return to Nigeria, joining 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 attempt to run for a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly in 2018 was unsuccessful, Gbagi held various key positions in the Delta State Government.[5] From October 2015 to August 2018, he served as the executive assistant to the governor of Delta State on the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).[7] He was later appointed special adviser to the governor on DESOPADEC from October 2018 to May 2019.[7] He also served two terms as special adviser on Youth Development. In July 2021, he became the secretary of the College of Special Advisers, a role he held until May 2023.[5]

Community leadership

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In January 2015, Gbagi was honored with the traditional title of Ame of Ughelli Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, Oharisi, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom,[8] in recognition of his contributions to community development and youth leadership.[9]

Philanthropy

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Gbagi's philanthropic efforts include regular visits to hospitals where he provides financial assistance to patients in need of medical care.[10] He has also shown a strong commitment to education, frequently visiting schools to offer support to teachers and provide learning materials to students.[11]

Awards and recognition

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Gbagi has received several awards for his contributions to youth development and public service, including:

  • Most Distinguished Youngest Office Holder of the Year (2019) by the Udu Icon/Role Model Awards.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "Former Minister Kenneth Gbagi Dies At 62". Channels TV.
  2. ^ Oluwafemi, Ayodele (2024-05-05). "Kenneth Gbagi, former minister, dies aged 62". TheCable. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  3. ^ a b c d e Telegraph, New (2024-09-26). "Gbagi Recounts Journey Through Academic Excellence, Charges Youth to Value Education". New Telegraph. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  4. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2024-09-21). "From KFC Clerk to Business Mogul: Chief Emuoboh's inspiring rise". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Chief Emuoboh: A Political Journey Unveiled". Vanguard.
  6. ^ "Emuoboh Gbagi continues father's legacy with filling station opening".
  7. ^ a b "My contribution to Niger Delta transformation with DESOPADEC — Gbagi". The Nation.
  8. ^ "Chief Emuoboh Gbagi Honoured as Ame of Ughelli Kingdom". Vanguard.
  9. ^ Online, Tribune (2024-09-28). "Gbagi calls for investment in youths to secure Nigeria's future". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  10. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2024-09-08). "World Charity Day: Delta businessman fetes patients at Otu-Jeremi General Hospital". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  11. ^ "Gbagi fetes teachers at World Teachers Day 2024". The Nation.
  12. ^ 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 2024-10-12.