By Danjuma Amodu | January 18, 2026
The NAOWA Event Centre, Mambilla Barrack, Abuja was filled to capacity on Saturday as friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Rotarian Gregory Gabriel, popularly known as Lord Gabby, on his 50th birthday in grand style. The atmosphere was electric, with men and women of goodwill from all walks of life coming together to honour a man widely regarded as “the man of the people.”
Lord Gabby’s Life of Service and Leadership
Lord Gabby was born in 1976 in Obudu, Cross River State, grew up in military barracks and earned the nickname “Barrack Boy.” A seasoned legislative administrator, he provides expert services to the National and State Assemblies in drafting, procedure, and political strategy. Known for his advocacy of people’s welfare and strong leadership, he continues to contribute significantly to governance and community development.
A Celebration of Community and Connection
Tables at the event were thoughtfully arranged by social, professional, tribal, and church groups, reflecting Lord Gabby’s broad network and deep connections across communities.
A Rotarian at heart, Lord Gabby has held various religious and professional posts and is known as a humanitarian par excellence. Guests mingled, shared stories, and celebrated his humour, good vibes, and enduring impact on those around him.
The Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Rhoda Irung Ashong described Lord Gabby as a good man who is loved by people. She called him an asset for the local government and state.
“His contributions to community development and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others make him a treasure to Obudu and beyond. We celebrate his life, his achievements, and his continued impact on society.” she added.
The CEO of Xploramines, Dejitruth, who spoke on behalf of the leadership, founders and the character room, felicitated with Lord Gabby on the milestone celebration of his 50th birthday.
“This occasion honours Lord Gabby’s legacy and charity foundation, his character, and positive influence on people around him.”
At the event, a lady named Miss Snow described Gabby as the man of the people, whose soul is shaped by empathy and quiet strength.
“He’s the kind of man who would willingly lay down his comfort, pride, even his last breath just to see others happy. He’s intentional, patient, and rare in his depth, protective without control, gentle without weakness, strong without ego. His heart is generous, his spirit reassuring, and his presence feels like safety, peace, and home. He listens with his whole being, understands without judgement, and shows up even when it’s hard.”
A security expert who said Lord Gabby is a friend described him as.
“A good man and beacon of hope. He can sacrifice for others. One thing people don’t know about him is that he is a good master of ceremony who light up the audience effortlessly”
“Gabby’s humour, kindness, and generosity have touched so many lives. May this milestone be just the beginning of many more years of joy and service.” Esther Oluwaseun.
“Lord Gabby’s 50th birthday is ten over ten (10/10), no cap… no be chochocho I celebrate with him. Everywhere stew,” Bolaji Yemisi
Comrade Chris M.C Odo, Leader, Concerned Members of Staff of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, described Lord Gabby’s golden jubilee celebration as.
“A gathering of eagles and lions, reflecting his towering influence as a public servant, socialite, community mobiliser, family man, and comrade to the core. A dependable ally and true friend and a consummate professional at work.”
Family and Heartfelt Messages
Adding a touch of warmth to the celebration, Lord Gabby’s children, Lord Gabriel Limbeabe Jnr and Gabriella Benyin-Unim Limbeabe, shared a heartfelt message.
“Daddy, we are writing this to tell you how much we love you. You are a true father to us as you have been providing for me and my little sister at all times. There is no dad compared to you in the whole wide world. Happy 50th birthday, Daddy. You are the best in the world.”
Lord Gabby’s wife unequivocally referred to him as her king.
“My King, my loving husband, and father to our children, you have been my 100% man from day one, and I’m grateful for all the love you’ve shown us. For 17 years, you’ve shouldered us without complaint, and we will never take that for granted. You are a rare gem, my number one choice, and I’d still marry you in the next world to come.”
A deep-rooted message that bonds the family in love, is found in the goodwill message from the Entire Limbeabe Family Worldwide, as signed by Sylvester Vincent Utsu Limbeabe:
“To our dear brother, whom we so love and believe in, please accept our best wishes on the occasion of your 50th birthday. The mountains and hills of Bedia and Obudu at large echo your name to the glory of God and mankind because of your revered personality and good-hearted purpose. You have proven yourself an asset to the world, and we are solidly behind you in this celebration. Accept our good wishes, as we will never forget the written memories you have shown us in the Limbeabe family. Your words and actions are golden to us, and your age is a testament of wisdom.”
Prayers and Prophecies
Another guest was full of prayer and prophecy for him.
“Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this young man you gave to our generation. His impact is beyond measure, an exceptional leader with great vision for success and accomplishment. Who knows, if tomorrow this distinguished member of this great committee decides to metamorphose his birthday-marking ceremony into a global club of repute as a legacy of his good works. Nothing is impossible on this planet earth. Lord, continue to uphold him and his family with good health and sound mind as we prepare towards his birthday celebration. In Jesus’ name, Amen”. Agada, Julius Sunday
“On behalf of the Planning Committee, we celebrate you today with deep gratitude and joy. Your golden jubilee is not just a mark of years, but a testament to a life lived with purpose, kindness, and unwavering brotherhood. You have inspired us through your strength, your humility, and your commitment to lifting others as you rise. As you turn 50, we pray that the years ahead bring renewed strength, deeper wisdom, and greater fulfilment. May your legacy of love, service, and integrity continue to speak loudly in the lives you touch. Happy Golden Jubilee to a dear brother and friend. Your best days are still ahead.” Jekeli Godwin, Chairman, Planning Committee
Lord Gabby’s Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Lord Gabby said he was overwhelmed by the massive love shown to him.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for His mercy, love, and care for preserving me to see this day of my 50th birthday. It has been a rough journey re-ascending from cradle to a massive 5th floor in life, but all glory and honour goes to God,” he said in a solemn tone.
“How can this be possible without having genuine family, friends, and well-wishers around me who uplift me to a stage in life that made me stand firm? I can never be happier than this as this is an achievable stage of every man’s desire. I want to especially thank my late parents, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Akafe Limbeabe, and my entire family who brought me into this life to meet good people and touch lives in a special way, my colleagues who have been tolerating my excesses but still accepting me, my elders in this life, my friends.”
Lord Gabby, as he is popularly called, especially appreciated the 50th birthday committee of friends, who played a lot in their selfless service and raising funds to ensure the success of his attaining the golden jubilee milestone, not leaving out his club members and his bosses in the office and mentors in life, saying they all made him great and he’s not ashamed of knowing them.
He urged men of purpose to, when they see a young man trying to crawl to a certain stage of life, join hands and raise him up as he will never forget that moment of help.
“I am that person that friends have raised up.” He affirmed.
He thanked everyone for believing in him and, like Oliver Twist, appealed to their conscience to join hands and support his next line of action in life going forward, which will focus mainly on charity work to humanity. In his words, “the society must feel our impact, we must give a helping hand to the society.”
He summed up his vote of thanks by re-echoing the words of Abraham Lincoln.
“Leaders Don’t Force People to Follow, They Invite Them on a Journey.”
For accepting to come with me on this journey of my life, you will never regret it as God will show us the right path to follow. To a rousing applause, Lord Gabby gave his creed.
“I will forever be thankful to you and I will never let you down by the grace of God.”
