Emuoboh Gbagi (born 4 June 1985) is a Nigerian businessman, politician from the People's Democratic Party, and community leader.
Emuoboh Gbagi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 4 June 1985 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Alma mater |
|
Early life and education
editGbagi is the son of Olorogun Kenneth O. Gbagi,[1] a former Minister of State for the Education in Nigeria,[2] and Chief Mrs. Evelyn Gbagi. He is from Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
He attended 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 before transferring to Novena University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.[3]
Career
editBusiness career
editGbagi 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
editGbagi joined the People's Democratic Party after returning to Nigeria.[5] He served as a delegate for Jeremi Ward II in Ughelli South Local Government Area in 2014 and 2018.[5]
His run for a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly in 2018 was unsuccessful.[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 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
editIn January 2015, Gbagi was honored with the title of Ame of Ughelli Kingdom by Oharisi, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom,[8] in recognition of his contributions to community development and youth leadership.[9]
Philanthropy
editGbagi'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
editIn 2019, Gbagi received the Most Distinguished Youngest Office Holder of the Year by the Udu Icon/Role Model Awards.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Former Minister Kenneth Gbagi Dies At 62". Channels TV. 5 May 2024.
- ^ Oluwafemi, Ayodele (2024-05-05). "Kenneth Gbagi, former minister, dies aged 62". TheCable. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c d e f "Chief Emuoboh: A Political Journey Unveiled". Vanguard.
- ^ "Emuoboh Gbagi continues father's legacy with filling station opening". 22 September 2024.
- ^ a b "My contribution to Niger Delta transformation with DESOPADEC — Gbagi". The Nation.
- ^ "Chief Emuoboh Gbagi Honoured as Ame of Ughelli Kingdom". Vanguard.
- ^ Online, Tribune (2024-09-28). "Gbagi calls for investment in youths to secure Nigeria's future". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Gbagi fetes teachers at World Teachers Day 2024". The Nation.
- ^ 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.