By Paul Olayemi 

In an era where public office is often defined by rhetoric rather than measurable impact, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi presents himself as a grassroots-driven leader with a blend of public service experience and private sector exposure. With a background that spans engagements in government agencies and hands-on business development across Delta State, Gbagi says his approach to leadership is rooted in accessibility, accountability and practical results.

A native of Ughelli South Local Government Area, he maintains close ties with his constituency, living and working within the community. In this interview, he speaks on his preparedness for legislative duties, youth empowerment, economic growth, and his vision for inclusive development in Ughelli South. Excerpts:

You’ve built a reputation through your leadership and community engagements. How have those experiences prepared you to effectively represent Ughelli South at the State Assembly level, and what lessons will directly shape your legislative approach?

My leadership journey is rooted both in public service and in the everyday realities of our communities here in Ughelli South. Through my past roles in DESOPADEC and youth development, I worked directly with communities, understanding challenges around infrastructure, employment, and access. Beyond government, my experience managing and building businesses across Warri, Effurun and surrounding areas has required a hands-on approach at every level, from construction to operations to communication. That same practical approach is what I bring into leadership. I also live here. I have my own home in Oginibo, separate from the family house, which keeps me directly connected to the people and realities on ground. Coming from a family with a strong legacy in public service, I understand that leadership must deliver visible, practical results. That is the approach I will take to the Assembly.

Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue across Delta State. What concrete, state-level policies or initiatives will you push to create sustainable opportunities for young people in Ughelli South?

If you move across Oginibo, Jeremi and surrounding communities, you will see capable young people who simply need structured opportunities. From my experience running businesses, I understand that jobs are created when systems are built, not just promised. Even small commercial hubs can employ multiple young people when properly structured. My focus will be on developing skills that match real market demand, improving access to funding for youth-led businesses, and building partnerships that expand job opportunities locally. This is about creating practical, repeatable opportunities, not temporary solutions.

Ughelli South is diverse in its communities and interests. How will you ensure fair distribution of projects, opportunities, and representation across all wards without bias or marginalization?

Ughelli South is diverse and effective representation must reflect that reality. Because I am physically present and engaged across all communities, I understand that areas like Oginibo, Ewu and Jeremi have different needs. My approach will be based on fairness, engagement and visibility, ensuring that development is not concentrated in one place while others are left behind. Every community must feel included and represented.

Insecurity and social challenges continue to affect local communities. What specific legislative interventions or collaborations will you champion to strengthen security and social order within the constituency?

Security is closely tied to presence and engagement. When leaders are disconnected, issues grow unnoticed. But when there is consistent presence on ground, problems are identified early and addressed more effectively. I will support policies that strengthen community-based security structures while also addressing root causes such as unemployment. A community that is engaged, working and connected is naturally more stable.

Many constituents feel disconnected from those in office. What will you do differently to ensure that the voices of the grassroots genuinely influence your decisions at the Assembly?

One of the biggest concerns people have is accessibility. For me, that will not be the case. I already live and operate within the community, and I intend to maintain that constant presence. The Gbagi country home has always been a hub for people across communities, and that is a legacy I have upheld. Being hands-on in my businesses has also taught me the importance of staying close to people and processes. I will be visible, reachable and responsive.

From local markets to small enterprises, economic activity is the backbone of Ughelli South. What policies will you advocate to stimulate growth, improve access to funding, and support indigenous businesses?

Our local economy is driven by traders, artisans and small business owners. From my experience building businesses from the ground up, I understand the challenges, particularly access to capital, infrastructure and institutional support. I will advocate for policies that improve access to financing and create a more enabling environment for local businesses to grow. When businesses grow, they employ more people. That is how communities develop sustainably.

You’ve spoken about leadership anchored on integrity and service. How will those values translate into tangible actions and results on the floor of the Delta State House of Assembly?

My approach to leadership is shaped by both experience and upbringing. I have observed leadership closely and have also built and managed systems myself. That combination teaches discipline, accountability and focus. At the Assembly, I will prioritize practical contributions, supporting policies that translate into real outcomes for the people.

Trust in leadership is built on transparency. What mechanisms will you establish to keep your constituents informed, engaged, and able to measure your performance in office?

Accountability must be visible and consistent. Because I am already present within the community, people will not have to look far to know what their representative is doing. I will maintain regular updates and open communication channels so that constituents remain informed and engaged. Leadership should be something people can see and measure directly.

If given the mandate, what are the first key motions, bills, or constituency-driven initiatives you will pursue, and how will they directly improve the lives of people in Ughelli South?

My immediate focus will be on areas that directly affect daily life: youth employment and skills development, improved road access and infrastructure, support for small businesses, and education and community development initiatives. These are practical areas where impact can be delivered and felt quickly.

In a competitive race, voters are looking for clarity and conviction. What distinctly sets you apart from other aspirants, and why should the people of Ughelli South entrust you with this mandate?

What sets me apart is not just experience, but presence and involvement. I am not coming into this to learn about the environment. I am already part of it. I live here, I work here, and I understand the realities on ground. Combined with my experience in government and business, this positions me to offer focused, practical and effective representation. Ughelli South deserves leadership that is present, accountable and result-driven. Not noise. Just answers.