Gabi moved to Banjul at the age of seven following the death of his father, a native of Kaur. His mother returned to Banjul with all her children, where Gabbi would begin his lifelong journey of education, service, and contribution to national development.
Gabbi began his schooling at Bakau School in 1955. He sat for the Common Entrance Examination during the colonial era alongside Abdoulie Mo Kebba Manneh, who later joined the United Nations. Gabbi’s exceptional academic performance earned him a colonial scholarship to attend Methodist Boys’ High School in Banjul, which was renamed Gambia High School in 1959.
After completing his GCE O-Level, Gabi was recruited by a company along with his friend Momodou Manneh (fondly known as Sam Manneh). They were sent to Nigeria to study marine engineering, where they trained for five years.
Gabi returned to The Gambia in 1964, a year before the country gained independence. He briefly worked with the United Africa Company but resigned after two months due to dissatisfaction with the working conditions, especially considering his high level of qualification—one of the most advanced among Gambians at the time.
He then joined the Gambia Post Office, intending to save money to pursue further studies in England. Fortunately, he was awarded a British scholarship from 1967 to 1972, enabling him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Science Engineering.
Upon completing his studies, Gabbi returned to serve as a marine engineer at the Gambia Ports Authority from 1972 to 1995. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and eventually became Managing Director, a position he held briefly before retiring at the age of 45.
Gabbi’s early retirement was prompted by dissatisfaction with his salary. He went on to establish his own business, Sosseh and Sons Company, marking a new chapter in his professional life.
Although never a footballer himself, Gabbi had a deep passion for the sport. He co-founded the Gambia Ports Authority Football Team alongside his former boss, Captain Babucarr Sowe, then Managing Director of the port. This team was the first in the country to offer stipends to players, at a time when football was played purely for leisure.
From 1998–1999, Gabbi founded his own football team, Mass Sosseh, further contributing to the development of football in The Gambia.
Gabbi also played a significant role in supporting the establishment of The Point newspaper, founded in 1991, through financial assistance. The management of The Point has expressed its heartfelt condolences to his family.
At 85-year-old Gabbi Sosseh passed away on Tuesday, 29th July 2025, and was laid to rest on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, at LatriKunda German cemetery.
We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
