Brigadier Musa Usman’s impactful legacy celebrated 36 years after his death with book launch in Abuja
The public presentation of Brigadier Musa Usman: Service and Impact, the in-depth and inciteful biography documenting the life, vision and contributions of the late military officer, and visionary leader was held in Abuja, 36 years after his death.
The book, titled Brigadier Musa Usman (1940–1991): Service and Impact, authored by Malam Mahmud Jega and Dr Theophilus Abbah, was unveiled on Monday, September 14, at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, in the presence of prominent political, military, traditional and business leaders.
READ ALSO: Musa Usman was the brain behind SBS, Zaria, and present-day Arewa House – Adamu Fika, Wazirin Fika
The book chronicles Brigadier Usman’s contributions to the military, public service and socio-economic development when he served as governor of the vast North-Eastern State from 1967 to 1975, now comprising of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states.
The Special Guest of Honour, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo, commended the late Brigadier Musa Usman for his dedicated service to the nation, noting that his contributions remain evident in the enduring legacy he left, particularly in the development of the North-East.
Delivering his welcome address, the Chief Host, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, commended the late Brigadier Usman for his remarkable contributions to the development of the North-East, particularly his role in establishing major projects, including Ashaka Cement.
READ ALSO: Late Brigadier Musa Usman: First Governor of North Eastern Nigeria
Other dignitaries included Titi Atiku, wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana; Colonel Lawan Gwadebe; former Bauchi State Governor Adamu Mu’azu; Alhaji Buba Galadima; former Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Baba Abubakar; Grace Folashade Bent; former SGF, Boss Mustapha; and other traditional, political and military dignitaries.
Representing the family, son of Brigadier Usman, Hassan Musa, expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum, the Vice President and other dignitaries for honouring the late Brigadier.
He also commended the authors for documenting the late military officer’s service and contributions to the nation, describing the gathering as a great tribute to his father.
According to him, the book goes beyond documenting Brigadier Usman’s military career, as it captures his vision, ideas and enduring legacy.
He described the late Brigadier as a visionary and astute leader who became the first military governor of the North-East region at the age of 27.
Hassan Musa also acknowledged the late Malam Adamu Fika (Wazirin Fika), for his guidance and support to the family.
A minute of silence was observed by the gathering in honour of late Brigadier Musa Usman and his enduring legacy.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Maj Gen Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu GCMG CFR COM psc (+) mni fnia, recounted Brigadier Usman’s journey from a young soldier and the first prefect of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, to becoming one of the foremost visionary leaders in the country.
READ ALSO: Shettima to unveil biography of late Brigadier Musa Usman
A special tribute by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and his wife, Mrs Victoria Gowon, was also telecast live at the event, where they reminisced about the cordial relationship between the two families and Brigadier Usman’s dedication to national development.
The Royal Father of the Day – His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, CFR, Shehu of Borno, also paid an emotional tribute to the late Brigadier, describing him as a courageous and visionary leader whose initiatives laid a solid foundation for the development of the region.
He highlighted landmark projects associated with Brigadier Usman’s administration, including the Maiduguri Airport, the North-East College of Arts and Science and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, among others.
In a goodwill message, former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, said the late Brigadier demonstrated remarkable foresight in identifying and confronting terrorism and violent activities by non-state actors.
He also highlighted Brigadier Usman’s contributions to industrial development, including the establishment of Ashaka Cement and Savannah Sugar Company.
The book was reviewed by Professor Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, Director, Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who highlighted the significance of documenting the late Brigadier’s contributions for present and future generations.
The official unveiling of the book was led by the book presenter, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, GCON, who invited the Guest of Honour, the Shehu of Borno, Hajiya Chioma Jummai Musa Usman, wife of the late Brigadier Usman, and other dignitaries to the stage.
The event also witnessed significant pledges towards the purchase and distribution of copies of the biography.
Colonel Sani Bello pledged ₦5 million for 10 copies, the Shehu of Borno pledged to purchase five copies for ₦2 million, the North-East States Governors’ Forum pledged ₦120 million for 250 copies, while former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, pledged ₦5 million for 10 copies.
Others are Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, who pledged ₦1 million, while Wali Katagum pledged ₦1 million for 10 copies.
Captain Idris Wada also pledged ₦1 million for five copies.
The public presentation brought together a broad spectrum of Nigerians to celebrate the life and legacy of a military officer whose contributions, particularly to the North-East, continue to resonate decades after his death.
See pictures from the event
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