Former Education Minister, Gbagi, Dies At 62

Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last election in Delta State, Olorogun Barr Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, is dead.

Gbagi, a former minister of education and an industrialist died at the age of 62. The renowned criminologist and senior lawyer died on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

A statement signed by his eldest son, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi on behalf of the Gbagi family, said, “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God, that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother, Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, FNIM, OON; Former Minister of Education, who 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”, the statement added.

Gbagi  was born in Sapele, Delta State in a Catholic hospital by the Cemetery at Ogodo Road. He attended Bishop Johnson Memory Primary School also in Sapele.

Kenneth was born into a polygamous home where his father decided that only the first child of each wife, out of his 21 children, will be sent to school. Being his mother’s third child, he wasn’t sent to school by his father. Kenneth struggled to pay his way to school by doing the worst of odd jobs only boys of his age with his drive could do.

He left home at the age of 11 to become a sailor. After completing his primary education, he landed in Argentina, traveled to Montevideo and some other countries. But his thirst for education prompted his return to Nigeria where he succeeded in enrolling in a secondary school even when his mates were already in class 3.

The ex-minister was already 14 years old when he attended Kosofe Secondary School, Mile 12. Interestingly enough, he sponsored himself to secondary school through working as a bus conductor.

Upon finishing his secondary education, Kenneth worked with Foreign Service before travelling abroad to further his education. While in Hong Kong, he shot a movie titled, “The birth of Hong Kong in 1993.” This gave him some money to pay his tuition fee.

He gained admission into one of the oldest universities in the world, Sans Thomas University in Philippines, to read political science. He left Sans Thomas University and graduated as a criminologist from the Philippine College of Criminology. He returned to Nigeria for his National Youth Service. He served with the Police Force and taught many important persons in the Police Force.