Kenneth Gbagi, a prominent industrialist and former Minister of Education, is dead.
Ekwutosblog reports that Gbagi, who was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the last election held in Delta State, Gbagi died on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He aged 62.
The statement, signed by his eldest son, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi, read, “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother.
“Olorogun Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, former Minister of Education, departed this life on the 4th of May 2024 at the age of 62.
“We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, his achievements, and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals and communities.
“We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this challenging time of loss.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi was born on September 22, 1961, in Sapele, Delta State. He attended Bishop Johnson Memory Primary School in Sapele and later proceeded to Kosofe Secondary School, Mile 12 in Lagos for his secondary education.
After completing his secondary education, Gbagi worked with a Foreign Service before travelling abroad to further his education. While in Hong Kong, he produced a movie called “The Birth of Hong Kong” in 1993 which helped him raise money to pay his tuition fee at Sans Thomas University in the Philippines, where he studied political science. He later graduated as a criminologist from the Philippine College of Criminology.
Upon his return to Nigeria, he served his National Youth Service (NYSC) at the Police College in Ikeja, where he taught criminology. He then pursued a degree in law and graduated with distinction from the faculty of law, University of Lagos, becoming the youngest lawyer ever to head the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
Gbagi has also invested in several companies in Nigeria, including GKO Group of Companies, Geekos Investments, Woodridge Hotels Group, and Robinson Shopping Plaza in Warri. With his vast experience in the private and public sectors, he has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.