Distinguished Nigerian Army Officer | Community Leader | Patriot
Early Life & Ancestry
Born on December 25, 1927, in Nembe, Bayelsa State, Gabriel Lucky Ayebabaraghoboye Zingi Amaebite, fondly known as “Lucky,” was the only surviving child of Elder Zingi Amaebite and Adieye Harriet Ayebaiduate. His ancestry traces deep into the history of the Niger Delta, descending from Chief Ogu, the founder of Otuogu/Oguama (Oruoweiama) in Okoroma, and through his maternal line, from the notable Tayai family of Nembe, linked to famed military strategist Chief Oruwari.
Education and Intellectual Pursuits
Captain Amaebite’s foundational education began at St. Luke’s Primary School, Nembe, where he obtained his Standard VI Certificate. He advanced to Kalabari National Grammar School, Buguma, graduating with a Class IV Middle Certificate in 1953. Passionate about learning, he later studied at the Army School of Education, earning an ACE First Class Certificate and sat for the University of Cambridge GCE, passing with distinction in History of the British Empire, English, and Geography.
Military Career
Enlisting in the Nigerian Army on June 28, 1955, Gabriel Amaebite embarked on a military journey that would span nearly three decades. He specialized in Medical Services and underwent professional training at:
- Federal School of Pathology, Lagos
- Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot (UK)
- Royal Army Medical College, Millbank, London
- University College Hospital, Ibadan
- Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Centre, Lagos
He was commissioned as an officer on September 1, 1975, and held numerous key appointments including:
- Quartermaster, Military Hospitals in Lagos and Port Harcourt
- Vehicle Park Officer, Central Vehicle Department, Ojo, Lagos
- Traffic Officer, Central Vehicle Depot
- Officer-in-Charge, Admin & Transport Departments, Military Hospital Yaba
Captain Amaebite retired voluntarily on December 31, 1987, after 28 years and 8 months of dedicated service. His professionalism earned him numerous military decorations:
- Nigeria Independence Medal (1960)
- DSM, NSM, GSM, RM, and the Silver Jubilee Medal
Family and Personal Life
He was united in a traditional marriage to Mrs. Ikiomoye Ruth Gabriel Amaebite (née Dambo). Their union produced eight children, including a set of twins:
- Ms. Adieye Gabriel Amaebite
- Bishop Zingi Gabriel Amaebite, JP
- Mr. Alamigha Gabriel Amaebite
- Engr. Inowei Gabriel Amaebite
- Miss Sungumote Gabriel Amaebite (late)
- Mr. Ingokonfagha Gabriel Amaebite
- Engr. Alakun Gabriel Amaebite
- Mr. Amaebite Lucky Gabriel Amaebite
He was also a proud grandfather to Toinpre Osene, Daniela Inowei-Amaebite, and Diepreye Valerie Alamigha-Amaebite, and great-grandfather to Inara Briggs.
Despite limited resources post-retirement, Captain Amaebite prioritized the education and moral upbringing of his children, many of whom now serve in professional fields across Nigeria.
Community Service & Social Life
Captain Amaebite was an active community figure. He served as Deputy Chief Igula (elect) in the Amain/Kien/Alagoa/Koki group of houses in Nembe. He was a prominent member of the Opu-Sekiapu Cultural Society of Ogbolomabiri and actively involved with the Retired Armed Forces Officers Forum (RANAO) in Rivers State.
Legacy and Final Years
He passed away peacefully on December 25, 2016, his 89th birthday, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Captain Amaebite is remembered as a man of integrity, discipline, and patriotic service — both in uniform and within his community. His legacy endures through his children, who carry forward his values of honesty, humility, and resilience.
