Commercial activities were temporarily brought to a halt for over five hours, as the campaign trail of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, stormed Adane Associated Co. Limited, a fuel station on Deco Road Warri, Delta State.
The renowned philanthropist, was at the petrol station on Tuesday January 17th 2023, to dole out Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), to motorcycle and tricycle operators to alleviate the hardship the Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) inflicted on Deltans.
However, the motorcycle and tricycle operators otherwise known as Okada and Keke riders turned the gesture into a carnival as they closed down businesses, shut down the streets and chanted the former minister’s name, “Gbagi for governor”, repeatedly.
The crowd grew unexpectedly for Olorogun Gbagi, a wealthy businessman with a reputation for being frugal and have emerged as a powerful force ahead of Delta State governorship election in March.
Everywhere he goes, he energized voters with messages of prudence and accountability that are amplified by an army of social movement.
In his parley with the transporters, they eulogized his good works during his time as minister and his exploits at Delta Property Development Authority (DDPA), while those who knew him as former Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, said he left a gap since he left the position.
The transporters said that they were looking forward to experiencing the same commitment from the largest private investor in the State and his government come March after winning the governorship election.
Gbagi was a minister of education, where he created 13 Universities including the Federal University of Petroleum (FUPRE), 14 Polytechnic, 8 federal girls colleges and 16 Federal Colleges of Education.
He rebuilt and equipped an ICT center in Urhobo College, donated N10 million to Government College, Ughelli and as former minister of state for Education, rebuilt federal government college, Warri.
Though, these schools were not in Olorogun Gbagi’s schedule, he showed commitment aimed at ensuring that they exist and function.
He fought against the relocation of PTI from Warri to Kaduna State.
He was welcomed in the most joyous of ways with jubilant crowd, chanting and singing songs with his name, causing a heavy gridlock on the Deco road.
Some beneficiaries of Gbagi’s unprecedented gesture, said with him, Delta State would be made an industrial hub, saying that because of him, thousands of youths are no longer on the street.
Mr. Friday Onoboro, an Isoko indigene who resides in Warri, said: “Gbagi, has tried and we will vote so he could be the next governor of the state
Another recipient, Mr. Edward, from Okumagba, said: “I feel very happy and I am going to vote for him. I really appreciate him and he is going to be the next governor of Delta State”.
A receiver of the kind gesture, Mr. Samson, noted: “to be sincere, I am happy with Olorogun Gbagi. I know it is not every governorship candidate that is going to do this and I believe with this, he is going to do well as governor.
“Actually for him to have opened Robinson Gbagi Plaza, with the number of people that are working here, it is an employment for our youths.
“Among all the governorship candidates, he is the only one that I have benefited from. On the day of the election, I will vote for him and I want people to remember him”.
Another payee, Godwin expressed satisfaction with the gesture, “I am happy. My brother has a shop in this Plaza, this is where he earn his daily living.
“In this whole state, people that Gbagi removed from suffering are numerous, especially the youths, they should vote for him”.
Also, Mr. Christopher Odueze, said: “Gbagi, is a good man. I call on everyone to join hands and vote for him to be our governor”.
Equally, David, expressed gratitude to Gbagi, for giving him free fuel, saying it would go a long way in assisting him for the day’s business, “the man that gave us free fuel, will do well as governor”.
Mr. Joseph Onota, said: “we call on Deltans to vote for Gbagi, for giving us free fuel”.
Chukwuebuka, who displayed his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), said: “Gbagi, is the governorship candidate that will win, nobody else”.
In same vein, Mr. Gift, said: “This is so wonderful and I believe that if we puts our heads together, a good leader like Gbagi, will be our next governor. We are going to use our powers by God’s grace to give him our full support and we pray that God will give us a leader such as him”.
A tricycle operator, Godwin, said: “I am happy with Gbagi, for the free fuel he gave to me, I will vote for him to be governor. Deltans vote for Gbagi, he will be a good governor”.
Mr. Bernard, who insisted that the SDP governorship candidate has no rival hinted: “Gbagi, is the one that must become governor, no one has what it takes to challenge him”.
Miss Loveth equally called on Deltans to give Gbagi, their votes so he could come out victorious at the polls.
“We will vote for Gbagi and he will win the election. This is his time, as he wins the election, everything will be smooth for us in Jesus name”, she declared.
