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]
Controversy
[edit]In 2024, following the death of Kenneth Gbagi, a dispute arose between Emuoboh Ken Gbagi and George Gbagi regarding the position of the late minister’s first son. In a video circulated online, George claimed to be the eldest son, alleged that Emuoboh was not related to him, and accused him of attempting to sell family assets prior to the burial. Emuoboh publicly denied knowledge of George and stated that the matter had been referred to the extended family and community elders for resolution.[14][15]
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.
- ^ Diplomat, The New (2024-08-15). "Sons of Late Education Minister, Gbagi, Fight Dirty Over First Status". The New Diplomat. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
- ^ Itse, Mirabel (2024-08-16). ""You Are Not My Brother" -Emuoboh Disowns George Gbagi". Warri Sentinel. Retrieved 2025-08-09.