Tribute to Brigadier Musa Usman, first governor of North-Eastern State

On September 14, 2026, Abuja will witness a commemorative event marking the life and legacy of Brigadier Musa Usman, the inaugural governor of the North-Eastern State. Hailing from the region, Usman's impact on Maiduguri remains evident through the State Secretariat, a complex he initiated and completed during his administration. Known for its architectural grandeur, the complex continues to exude grace and solidity.

Usman's tenure as governor was marked by significant events that shaped the region's history. At seven years old, the author still recalls the ceremonies and pageantry surrounding state occasions, the installations of Shehus of Borno, and the grand processions led by the Mounted Troops of the Nigeria Police Force. The governor himself was often seen strolling through Maiduguri in an open Rolls-Royce, his uniform and medals gleaming in the sunlight.

One notable foreign visit during Usman's governorship was Sudanese President Jaafar Muhammad Nimeiri's state visit in August 1973. The choice of Maiduguri as the capital for this visit was significant due to the historical and cultural ties between Borno and Sudan. The city now bears a street named after Jaafar Nimeiri, preserving the memory of this significant event.

While the pageantry and grandeur of Usman's time are remembered fondly, the underlying theme is the serious approach to state-building and development. During his administration, Maiduguri experienced a construction boom, with foreign companies actively involved in building modern infrastructure. The Max Lock group designed the city's urban development, creating a framework of modern roads, drainage systems, government offices, and residential quarters.