Shettima To Unveil Biography Of The Late Brigadier Musa Usman

Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to unveil a posthumous biography of the late Brigadier Musa Usman, the pioneer military governor of former North-Eastern State, on Monday, 14th September, 2026.

A press release, signed by Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman, on behalf of the family, says the public presentation of the 363-page book, titled, “Brigadier Musa Usman (1940–1991): Service and Impact,” will take place at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, at 10:00 am.

Authored by two of Nigeria’s distinguished journalists and intellectuals, Malam Mahmud Jega and Dr Theophilus Abbah, the book chronicles the life, military career and governance footprint of the late statesman. Brigadier Musa Usman, who served in the Nigerian Air Force, governed the vast North-Eastern State from 1967 to 1975.

The massive geographical territory he administered has since been divided into six modern states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. The statement said Shettima will be the special guest of honour and shall unveil the historical biography.

The ceremony will be conducted under the distinguished chairmanship of Major General IBM Haruna, the former Federal Commissioner for Information, while Major General (Senator) Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

‎The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, will serve as the Chief Host. He will be supported by his counterpart co-hosts, the Executive Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, representing the entire territory originally administered by Brigadier Usman. ‎

‎Additionally, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, will serve as Book Presenter, alongside Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who will attend as a special guest, among other notable national personalities. ‎ ‎

The biography captures how Brigadier Usman meticulously laid the foundational infrastructure for the socio-economic, educational, and healthcare systems that continue to shape the region today.

His vision during Nigeria’s critical formative years left a legacy that remains an inspirational blueprint for sub-national governance. Beyond his administrative tenure, the book details his humble beginnings, his rapid rise through the military ranks across both the Army and the Air Force, and his historic appointment as governor. ‎ ‎The book features a foreword by former Head of State, General Dr Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), who lauded the late governor’s impeccable character. ‎ ‎He is quoted as saying, “Brigadier Musa Usman, who served as Governor of the North Eastern State, was known for his integrity and honesty,” Gowon wrote.

“His administration achieved significant results, as evidenced by the substantial infrastructure present in the North East region of Nigeria today. He was responsible for investing in many of these developments.” ‎ ‎

Similarly, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), recalled how a then-Major Usman was handpicked as a young officer to steady the Nigerian Air Force Station in Kaduna following the departure of the German technical pioneers who established it. ‎ ‎Abdulsalami said, “The late Brigadier Musa Usman wasn’t my colleague; he was my boss,” General Abdulsalami reflected.

“I was a cadet when the late Brigadier was posted to the Nigerian Air Force in Kaduna as Commandant. At the early stage of the air force, the authorities thought it necessary to bring a Nigerian officer to study the system under the command of the Germans to get the air force going… the authorities felt it necessary to bring an officer [Brigadier Musa Usman] to stabilise the system.” ‎ ‎

To provide a rigorous analytical perspective on the late governor’s life and administrative legacies, Professor Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, the Director General of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, will conduct the formal book review. ‎

‎According to the statement, admission to the event is completely free. Members of the general public, academics, students, and media practitioners are warmly invited to attend and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s foundational leaders.