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]
Gbagi was said to have 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]
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]
In September 2024, under Chief Gbagi’s leadership, Falcon Bay Energy relaunched its filling station at Ugbolokposo Junction, Uvwie LGA, marking a revival of family business in fuel distribution. The relaunch, held on the late Kenneth Gbagi’s birthday, was described as a continuation of his legacy. [6]
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]
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]
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]
On World Charity Day (September 2024), he paid off outstanding hospital bills for over ten patients at Otu-Jeremi General Hospital, rescuing several from prolonged stays due to financial constraints. [11]
In May 2025, Gbagi officially dedicated a new shopping plaza at Ugbolokposo Junction in memory of his late father, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi. The event, attended by prominent leaders including HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi and Archbishop God-Dowell Oyibo Avwomakpa, highlighted the plaza as both a commercial venture, and a symbol of his father's enduring vision. [13]
Gbagi won the "Most Distinguished Youngest Office Holder of the Year (2019)" award by the Udu Icon/Role Model Awards. [14]