In the heart of Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, lies a remarkable grassroot innovator Johnson Lubem Noah, better known as the force behind Lubem Custom. This Self-taught Tech STAR ⭐ has risen from humble beginnings to become a celebrated local inventor and motorcycle manufacturer. Using condemned iron scraps, discarded parts, and sheer determination, he builds and customizes robust, affordable motorcycles that rival imported models often at half the price while offering superior durability for Nigerian roads.
This is more than a tale of mechanical skill; it’s an inspiring narrative of overcoming poverty, skepticism, family doubt, and systemic challenges to pursue a passion for engineering in one of Nigeria’s most resourceful yet under-resourced environments.
Born in 1993 in Gboko Benue State, Lubem’s inventive spirit emerged early. As a child around age 5, he crafted toy cars and bikes, earning the nickname “engineer” from his grandmother. Financial hardships plagued his family after his father passed away in 2000, leaving his mother to raise him alone. Traditional schooling was limited; he attended Gbosi Government Primary School and CCG Secondary School but couldn’t proceed further due to costs.
His mother recognized his talent and, in 2000, took the young Lubem to a motorcycle mechanic workshop for apprenticeship. This decision shaped his life. While peers mocked him — calling him a “madman” for carrying scrap metal in one school bag and books in another, Lubem immersed himself in mechanics. He would change into work clothes after school, scavenging materials and experimenting relentlessly.
This period built foundational skills but also highlighted his uniqueness and Talent. After completing workshop training around 2010, customers began bringing brand-new bikes for him to customize into his distinctive designs. That validation was pivotal says the STAR ⭐ “People will buy bikes and come to me so I can change it into my own design. So, that made me understand that I am special.”
Lubem’s journey into full motorcycle construction began around 2011–2012. Inspired by childhood dreams of affordable mobility (he couldn’t afford a bicycle as a kid), he started by modifying old bikes and eventually progressed to fabricating entirely new ones from scrap. He began in his home, borrowing workshop space and equipment, before scaling up.
By his early 30s, he has crafted over 50 motorcycles from scratch and customized more than 100. His company, Lubem Custom (also referred to as LuBem Constructions), operates from Tobacco Warehouse New Road in Gboko. Designs include Cafe Racers, Street Cubs, BMX Cubs, power bikes, and more — all tailored to Nigerian needs: sturdy frames with advanced suspension for rough terrain, low fuel consumption, LED lights, remote starters, trackers, and even app connectivity in some models.
Key Differentiators From imported Motorcycles:
- Durability: LuBem’s Bikes are Built for heavy loads, off-road use, and harsh conditions.
- Affordability: His bikes sell for ₦400,000–₦500,000 versus ₦800,000–₦1.6 million for equivalents.
- Innovation: Custom features like GPS, better electronics, and terrain-specific engineering.
- Sustainability: Repurposing waste materials reduces costs and environmental impact.
Customers, including those from Lagos, now travel to Gboko for his work which has now become a sensational reversal of the usual flow from rural areas to urban importers. His reputation for quality and after-sales support (loyal customers return with testimonials) has fueled organic growth.
Lubem’s path wasn’t smooth. Family and friends labeled him “mad” for investing meager earnings into tools rather than immediate comforts. One poignant story: After receiving ₦200,000 for a bike — his biggest payout then — he spent most on equipment, leaving little for household needs. His wife initially doubted him, but witnessing his progress changed her view.
Even his boss during apprenticeship doubted him, only to be proven wrong when Lubem turned scrap into a functional motorcycle. He embraced the “madman” moniker as a badge of uniqueness, drawing strength from faith and self-belief. Limited formal education hasn’t stopped the Tech STAR ⭐ as he aspires to earn professional engineering credentials once his business stabilizes.
Challenges included manual labor without proper tools, capital shortages (building only on order), sleepless nights, and family strain. Yet, he persisted, learning from YouTube, cartoons, and experimentation.
Milestones and Recognition
- Workshop Ownership: Johnson Lubem has Transitioned from home-based operations to a dedicated space, enabling independence and job creation for local youth.
- Media Spotlight: Featured by CGTN Africa, Punch Nigeria, Legit.ng, and vloggers like Lucky Udu. His work highlights Nigerian youth innovation.
- Governor’s Recognition: Benue State Executive Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken notice.
- Education & Mentorship: Runs a YouTube channel (@Lubemcustom / Lubem TV) with tutorials, attracting students from Nigeria, the US, China, and beyond. He’s trained others in construction and modification.
- Social Media Impact: Active on Facebook (LuBem Custom / Noah Lubem Johnson) and Instagram, inspiring pride in local craftsmanship.
LuBem’s Future Visions Beyond Motorcycles 🏍️
Lubem Johnson isn’t stopping at bikes. His future plans include:
- Electric motorcycles and tricycles (addressing fuel costs).
- Designs for people with disabilities.
- Agricultural motorcycles.
- Ambitious concepts like a land-and-water capable bike or even a drone-like flying motorcycle.
- Scaling to a full industry with repairable, accessible vehicles — reducing reliance on expensive imports and raw material exports.
He critiques how Nigeria exports raw materials only to import finished goods at premium prices, aiming to flip that script through local manufacturing.
Why Tech STARS ⭐ Like JOHNSON LUBEM Matters
In a country rich with talent but often short on opportunity and support, STAR ⭐ innovator Lubem exemplifies frugal innovation combined with professional-grade execution. His story challenges stereotypes about rural inventors lacking education or resources. It underscores the power of passion, resilience, and community validation via social media.
Nigeria’s Talent Laden Youth bulge needs more role models like him: Self-Starters who create jobs, solve local problems, and boost national pride. With better access to funding, mentorship, and policy support for indigenous manufacturers, innovators like Lubem could drive real industrial growth.
For Sponsorship, Support, Endorsement, Motorcycle Purchase or Bike Customization Orders
Please send an email containing your intentions to us using our Official Email Address 👉 Info@SeedufyTech.com
You can also Follow and Support Lubem Custom via the following platforms:
- YouTube: @Lubemcustom
- Facebook: Search LuBem Custom or Noah Lubem Johnson
- Location: Gboko, Benue State — visitors are most welcome for purchases and custom work.
Johnson Lubem Noah isn’t just building motorcycles; he’s forging a legacy of African ingenuity. In his own words and actions, he proves that with scrap, skill, and stubborn vision, anyone can engineer a brighter future — one custom ride at a time.
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