Our Founder
Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi (1961–2024)
Founder, Visionary and Leader of GKO Group of Companies
Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, OON, FNIM, born on September 22, 1961, in Sapele, Delta State, was a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur, lawyer, public servant and philanthropist. He passed away in May 2024, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and service, particularly through the GKO Group of Companies, which he founded and built into a leading conglomerate.
Early Life and Education
Gbagi’s early education laid the foundation for his remarkable career. After completing his primary and secondary education in Nigeria, he pursued advanced studies in Criminology in the Philippines. His passion for law and security, combined with his academic achievements, shaped his entrepreneurial vision.
GKO Properties Limited: Focused on real estate, this arm of the group developed some of the largest commercial and residential properties in the South-South region, including the Robinson Gbagi Shopping Mall Plaza, a major commercial hub that provides employment to thousands of people.
Signatious Hotels & Suites Ltd: This luxury hospitality brand, with locations in Delta State, Lagos, and Abuja, became a symbol of premium service, providing world-class accommodation and recreational facilities. It has contributed significantly to the growth of the hospitality industry and the local economy.
Visionary Leadership and Expansion
Olorogun Gbagi’s business acumen extended beyond security and real estate. He expanded the GKO Group’s portfolio to include a variety of companies that had a profound impact on Nigeria’s economy:
Nayee Press Limited: One of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest printing presses, serving major corporations and publications.
Nayee Law Publications Limited: Publisher of key legal references such as the Consolidated Monthly Law Report, serving the Nigerian legal community.
Public Service and Philanthropy
Beyond his business empire, Olorogun Gbagi was committed to public service. He served as the Chairman of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and later as Minister of State for Education, where he was instrumental in establishing 13 federal universities and 8 girls’ colleges. His philanthropic efforts, especially through the Gbagi Foundation, focused on providing scholarships, healthcare services, and empowering underserved communities across Nigeria.
Legacy of GKO Group
Under Gbagi’s visionary leadership, the GKO Group of Companies became a symbol of excellence in security, real estate, hospitality, and publishing. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his dedication to creating employment and fostering development, leaves a lasting impact on Nigeria’s business landscape. His legacy is carried forward through the continued success of the GKO Group, which remains committed to innovation, growth, and community development.
Personal Life
Olorogun Gbagi was a loving husband and father. He was blessed with children and many grandchildren, who continue to honor his memory.
Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi passed away in May 2024, but his contributions to business, law, and public service endure with the GKO Group continuing to reflect his values of excellence, integrity and innovation.
Chairman’s Welcome
It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to G.K.O Group of companies. As the Chairman of G.K.O Group, I am honored to continue the legacy of my father, the late Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
G.K.O Group has a rich history of excellence and innovation and we are committed to carrying on this tradition. Our core values of integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability and collaboration will continue to guide our operations as we strive to provide exceptional products and services to our customers.
We invite you to explore our platform to learn more about our company, our diverse range of businesses and our commitment to making a positive impact on our communities. So, whether you are a potential client, a partner or simply curious about our work, we hope you find the information you seek.
Thank you for reaching G.K.O Group.
Sincerely,
Chief Emuoboh Gbagi
Chairman, G.K.O Group
A Brief History of GKO Group of Companies
GKO Group of Companies was founded by the late Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi (OON, FNIM), a visionary entrepreneur, lawyer, and public servant whose contributions to Nigeria’s business landscape spanned decades. Although the GKO Group was officially established in May 2019, Olorogun Gbagi’s entrepreneurial journey began much earlier, starting with Geekos Security Limited in 1989. This venture marked the beginning of his extensive career in business, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates.
Over the years, Olorogun Gbagi’s keen business acumen and leadership allowed the GKO Group to diversify and expand into several sectors. What started as a security services firm grew to encompass Hospitality, Real Estate, Construction, Oil and Gas, Entertainment, and Consultancy. His relentless drive, commitment to excellence, and strategic partnerships fueled the company’s organic growth and strategic acquisitions, allowing GKO Group to establish a strong presence both domestically and internationally.
Today, GKO Group is a leader in Nigeria’s property market, with over 1,000 properties in its portfolio. The company’s impact extends to hospitality, where it has made significant contributions to job creation and economic development, particularly through the Signatious Hotels & Suites brand. Additionally, GKO Group has made a name in security services, construction, and other key sectors, building on Olorogun Gbagi’s legacy of innovation and excellence.
At the heart of GKO Group’s success are its core values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Sustainability, and Collaboration—principles that continue to drive the company forward as a leading force in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Our Mission
To deliver exceptional services across diverse industries, fostering innovation, integrity and excellence in every endeavor, while contributing positively to the communities we serve.
Our Vision
To be a leading global conglomerate, delivering exceptional value to our customers, stakeholders and communities through innovative solutions and sustainable practices.
Our Core Values:
Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all our actions.
Excellence: Striving for superior performance and continuous improvement in everything we do.
Innovation: Encouraging creativity and embracing new ideas to drive progress and efficiency.
Sustainability: Committing to environmentally responsible practices and sustainable growth.
Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where every team member is valued.
Board of Directors
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