Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia is mourning the death of Abdoulie Gabi Sosseh, a pioneering businessman and sports figure who passed away on Tuesday. He was 82.

Born Abdoulie Omar Gay Sosseh in the rural town of Kaur, Gabi rose from humble beginnings to become one of The Gambia’s most accomplished marine engineers and a trailblazer in the country’s sporting landscape. Despite widespread belief that he was a Banjul native, Gabi only moved to the capital at the age of seven following the death of his father.

In a public reflection during his 50th wedding anniversary celebration, Gabi recalled how he got the nickname that would become synonymous with his legacy. “One of my elder brothers and a friend, the late Alhaji Babou Sowe, gave me the name ‘Gabi’ after a free-spirited old Aku man who lived on Primet Street,” he recounted.

Gabi began his education at Bakau School in 1955 and later earned a colonial scholarship to attend Methodist Boys High School, which later became Gambia High School.

After excelling at his GCE level, he was sent to Nigeria for five years of marine engineering training alongside his close friend, Momodou “Sam” Manneh.

Following his return in 1964, Gabi worked briefly with the United Africa Company before joining the Gambia Post Office. His academic excellence earned him another British scholarship, enabling him to complete a Bachelor’s degree in science engineering in the UK.

In 1972, he joined the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) as a marine engineer, rising through the ranks to become Managing Director before retiring in 1995.

Dissatisfied with his earnings, he launched Sosseh and Sons Company, cementing his legacy as a businessman.

Though never a footballer himself, Gabi co-founded the GPA Football Club with his then-superior, Captain Babucarr Sowe. Their initiative was groundbreaking—establishing the first team in the country to offer stipends to players, thus helping to professionalize the sport in The Gambia.

With his passing, The Gambia has lost a visionary leader whose contributions in engineering and sports development shaped generations. He is survived by his children, including a son who is a practicing lawyer.

Gabi Sosseh’s legacy lives on through the institutions he built and the lives he touched. The Gambia Journal offers its condolences to his loved ones and family.