NNWS to lionise Bukar Usman with literary colloquium
The Northern Nigerian Writers Summit (NNWS) is inviting scholars, researchers, writers, freelancers, associates and well wishers of Dr. Bukar Usman to submit articles, literary essays, book reviews, poems, and other subject matters, on the life and writings of Dr. Bukar Usman, OON, for a multilingual publication in his honour – Dr. Bukar Usman, the Man and the Writer. Submissions, which started this week, will close on March 31st, 2024.
Over the years, Dr Bukar Usman has worn many caps – a civil servant, who rose to the position of Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Presidency; historian, folklorist. political commentator, cultural enthusiast and patron of arts.
A statement issued by the organisers said: “In the annals of Nigerian letters, Dr. Usman stands tall and is unmatched not just in sheer creative fecundity but most significantly in the range of his creative concerns and intellectual interests.
“He is the author of over a dozen books; very few writers and public intellectuals are as productive or prolific as he is. Over the years, he has written in practically several genres and disciplines, such as history, social and political commentary, orature and folklore, among others. He has covered a variety of topics, from the history of his native Biu to folktales,” informed NNWS.
The group also said his views and opinions, marked by over thirty years of experience as a public servant, had reached a wide range of readers through his books, pamphlets, treatise, audio CDs, and the lecture circuit, “whether the subject is on security in Nigeria, Hausa and Nigerian orature, or the question of good governance and development in Nigeria and Africa. He is also undoubtedly an epitome of philanthropy and social responsibility.”
The writers added it was in appreciation of his decades of passionate commitment, uncommon resilience, outstanding contributions and generous philanthropy to societal development through his writings and literary activities that the Northern Nigerian Writers Summit was organising a colloquium to celebrate his colossal life of exceptional creativity, excellence and accomplishments.
Submissions should be channeled to [email protected], while further enquiries should be sent to Bashir Abu Sabe and Khalid Imam, Chairman and Secretary of the association respectively.
Meanwhile, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has congratulated Dr. Bukar Usman, who turned 81 on Sunday December 10, 2023.
In a statement signed by Wole Adedoyin, the association’s president, the SYNW lauded Usman’s remarkable contributions to nation-building through his distinguished civil service career and his prolific literary endeavours.
He noted: “Dr. Usman’s life serves as an inspiration to all Nigerians, especially young people, demonstrating the power of hard work, integrity and a commitment to serving the greater good.”
Courtesy: Henry Akubuiro, Sun Newspaper, 12/16/2023