By Henry Akubuiro 

Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, OFR, FNIM, former Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, and pioneer VC, Sokoto State University, has joined teeming fans, friends and relations worldwide to celebrate Doc. Bukar Usman, President, Nigerian Folklore Society, who turned 80 on December 10, 2022.

Prof. Yaqub recalled that providence brought both of them together physically recently in Abuja, though he was conversant with his literary exploits and track record in public service.

After reading a recent validation of  the octogenarian by Ambassador A.Y. Shehu, Nigeria’s ambassador to Moscow, he noted: “I am so enthused by this information of your blessed life, apart from your literary exploits that made me know you before we met. Indeed, your fame precedes you, and this has aptly been captured by the encomiums heaped upon you by His Excellency, the Ambassador,  who wrote the piece in reference. 

“Your type is rare in contemporary Nigeria’s public space that has been invaded by vampires in the Service and those out of it. I am eternally proud of you, Sir. Indeed, I should inform you that you are also my mentor, like the late Professor Abubakar A. Gwandu, one of my former Vice Chancellors at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, who impacted on me so much on moral issues, such as honesty, humility, incorruptibility, courage, speaking the truth, no matter whose horse may be gored, strong faith in God, and good judgment on all matters, at all times. 

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“These are your qualities that I am aware of ab initio, and I am very happy that they have been repeated by His Excellency, the Ambassador in his piece.

Prof Yaqub, who said Dr. Usman looked younger than his age, said, “When we met days before your birthday in Abuja, I didn’t see you as someone who was up to 75 years of age, not to assume that you would soon be celebrating your octogenarian age with Grace. Certainly, the Grace is that of God’s and I particularly give Him the adulation.”

He also said: “I am very happy for you and your blessed family. I, on behalf of my family, extend my happiest birthday greetings to you on this auspicious occasion. You were very healthy at our maiden meeting. I equally pray that Almighty God shall continue to keep healthy; no disease, no sickness shall come near you; you shall be happy all the time; and you shall not lack anything. Members of your family shall also, by the grace of God, be operating in the same mode as you!”

Writing in the same vein, an old boy of King’s College, Lagos, Dr. Usman’s alma mater, Ashim Oyekan, described the former as an “unpretentious, humble and amiable, sportive and academically competitive student at King’s College” whom he had followed through his “glorious and impeccable career in the Civil Service to the now celebrated Literary Giant,” adding, “you remain an enigma, for your simplicity and rare integrity. Alhamdulillah! I thank God for you, and for all He has enabled you to accomplish, so far, in your life.”