Dr. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi is a distinguished Diaspora leader, media consultant, and peacebuilding advocate with over 28 years of experience championing the interests of more than 20 million Nigerians abroad. As the longest-serving Nigerian Diaspora representative, he has played a pivotal role in fostering international collaborations, influencing policy, and driving transformative initiatives in migration, housing, and youth employment. His dedication to bridging the gap between Nigeria and the
global community has earned him widespread recognition.

Throughout his career, Gbandi has led various high-impact initiatives, including the Diaspora City Housing Project, which provides housing opportunities for returning Diasporans, and strategic engagements with CIM/GIZ and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to create sustainable employment programs for Nigerian youth. He has also spearheaded the enrollment of Nigerians abroad into the National Identity Database, in collaboration with BIOSEC and NIMC, facilitating access to National Identification Numbers (NIN) and General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC).

His extensive leadership experience includes serving as CEO of African German Information Center (AGiC g.UG), CEO of Kenconsult LTD, and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of African Heritage Magazine. Additionally, he has been a board member of Hamburger Stiftung für Migranten and chaired the Anti-Discrimination Committee of the Hamburg Senate Foreigners Advisory Council.

Dr. Gbandi holds a Master’s degree in Peace Research & Conflict Mediation from the University of Hamburg and a Bachelor of Science in Economic Geography from the University of Calabar. His expertise in international migration has led him to serve as a consultant for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A sought-after keynote speaker, he has addressed global forums, including the UK House of Commons and the African Union Diaspora Conference. His contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the African Union Diaspora Leadership Award and the President Obasanjo Stellar Performance Award.