Today is the 83rd birthday of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished patriots and statesmen, the esteemed Dr. Bukar Usman. He is, by all accounts, a true patron of Nigerian culture, history and literature.
Born on December 10, 1942, in Biu, Borno State, Dr. Usman has led an astonishing life as a public policy maker, folklorist, historian, and writer, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian literature and the public service.
With over 40 books to his credit, covering a wide range of topics such as children’s literature, public policy, media, security, and folklore, his awesome literary contributions are a true testament to his remarkable dedication to preserving Nigerian cultural heritage. His autobiography, Hatching Hopes, and other works like My Literary Journey and My Public Service Journey…, among others, showcase his creative ingenuity, remarkable storytelling ability, depth of knowledge and rich experience.
Personally, as a writer who has developed a keen interest in Dr. Usman’s fascinating contributions to Hausa literature in particular and Nigerian literature in general, I must say my very close association with him in the last two decades has been beneficial in honing me to be a better and productive writer. To stress, for instance, enjoying his wonderful cooperation and generous support, l have authored the following books: Justice, Fairness and the Quest for an Egalitarian Societies (essay, 2016, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Germany), Falsafar Bukar Usman, (Poetry, 2019), Kundin Hirarrakin Bukar Usman (interviews, 2018), Songs for Bukar Usman ( poetry, 2020), Conversation with Bukar Usman (interviews, 2021). And not yet done, following my visit to Biu, his birthplace, in 2023, works on these forthcoming titles are nearing completion: Yamtarawala: Kundin Wasu Waƙoƙin Ziyarar Ƙasar Biu (Poetry), Biu, Hamshaƙin Birni A Kan Tsauni (travelogue) and Discourses on Bukar’s Folklore Studies and Social Impact (essay).
To me and dozens of other young writers, a worthy whetstone indeed he is and will continue to be. Dr. Usman is a pan-Nigerian man famed for silently supporting numerous literary events and conferences across Nigeria. An unmatched generous philanthropist, patron and donor of books he is to scholars, individuals, schools, tertiary institutions, public libraries, and book lovers not only within Nigeria and Africa, but across European universities as well.
As the founder of the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation and President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, Dr. Usman has tirelessly worked to promote knowledge, public enlightenment, and cultural preservation. His numerous awards, including the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) award, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) award, and the Fellowship of Nigeria’s Academy of Letters are a testament to his outstanding contributions to Nigerian literature.
Considering Dr. Usman’s most fulfilling life and sparking accomplishments, both during his career as a disciplined and astute public officer and his awesome life after service, describing him as a true Nigerian treasure is not hyperbolic. May your shining legacy continue to inspire us and generations to come.
Wishing my great mentor a life full of happiness, sound health and continued selfless service to humanity.
* Khalid Imam is a Kano-based multiple award winning writer and educator
