| Emuoboh Gbagi | |
| Birth Date: | 4 June 1985 |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Alma Mater: |
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Emuoboh Gbagi, born in 4 June 1985, is a Nigerian businessman, politician from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and community leader.
He 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, where he completed his secondary education at Munster High School in Indiana. He began his higher education at Purdue University before transferring to Novena University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Gbagi worked at a car wash in 2002 and as a sales clerk at KFC in 2004.[4] While studying at Purdue University, 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. 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]
Gbagi joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP) after returning to Nigeria. He served as a delegate for Jeremi Ward II in Ughelli South Local Government Area in 2014 and 2018.
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. 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. 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.
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]
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]
In 2019, Gbagi received the Most Distinguished Youngest Office Holder of the Year by the Udu Icon/Role Model Awards.[12]