How I spent my 83rd birthday, by Bukar Usman

BY the grace of God, I turned 83 on December 10, 2025. As usual out of respect for my tradition there was no elaborate celebration in my household. All I could recall on this day was that my spouse Dupe, as we stood in the kitchen at about 11.00am, excitedly recited ‘Happy birthday…’ followed by a lengthy prayer invoking God to bless me with good health and long life. Later the other members of the household Ruth and Victoria came separately, knelt down to greet and wish me happy birthday.

As the day unfolds, outside the household came Afeez Bello our plumber who brought a well-designed greetings card. That was followed by Abdulrazak Yusuf our carpenter who similarly brought a large decorated greetings card. He did not meet me in the house as I had gone out briefly to have a hair cut. Likewise, our television technician, Luka Yakubu, came. He too did not meet me. He presented a gift of a black package full of assorted souvenirs including a dairy, a tea cup, a fountain pen, a cufflink, a key holder, and a complementary card pack all on which were inscribed my name ‘Dr Bukar’.

Nigeria’s former Amb to Russia and Belarus and close family friend, Amb. AY Shehu, paid a courtesy call on me. To begin with, as he sat down, he said a lengthy prayer asking God to bless me with good health and long life to continue with the worthy things I had been doing. After his departure, came Gen. LP Ngubane, another family friend. He stayed with me for a while, gisting and discussing current events as usual. He expressed concern about an ongoing communal conflict taking place at his home place in Adamawa State, resulting in several loss of lives. He confessed that he only came to pay his usual homage and did not know that it was my birthday anniversary. He heartily congratulated me. Another family friend, Sanda Galadima, brought a bowl of ‘masa’ with fried chicken parts. I sincerely thanked them all.

In the course of the day, I continued to receive goodwill messages from individuals and corporate well-wishers by tributes, texts, emails and verbally. The tributes comprise of a poem by Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi in Abuja and a write-up by Khalid Iman from Kano. About a week earlier, Tijjani Garga from Maiduguri, Borno State, had sent a tribute. My daughters Halimat from San Francisco, California, US, sent text message while Hafsat from Barcelona Spain sent an email both of them extending their wishes and prayers.

As I phoned to acknowledge some of the messages, I was greeted with further cheerful recital of ‘happy birthday…’ by Cecilia Dabo from Jos, Mrs. Catherine Nwosu and Memunat Alli-Owe from Lagos, and Dr. Adaobi Nwoye from Enugu.

At night, I went to the studio to take photographs. I was driven there by my spouse Dupe along with Ruth, our household member, and my daughter Hadizat with her one-year-old daughter (my granddaughter), Morayo. They all patiently waited on me to take the photographs. I took the opportunity to take photograph with my granddaughter.

Dr. Bukar Usman with granddaughter, Morayo, on his 83rd birthday

As we returned home and to round off the day, we had a meal of takeaway Chinese food we ordered for the day. After that, my spouse, Dupe came to me in our sitting room to hand over something neatly wrapped, saying it was her gift to me in celebration of my birthday anniversary. My daughter Zara was around. I asked her to help unwrap the gift. It was a piece of cloth meant to be sown as jumper. I thanked my spouse for the kind gesture.

Zara, who turned 13 this month, came back from boarding house earlier that evening. Remarkably, even before she alighted from her mummy’s car as she sighted me in the compound she said ‘happy birthday’ to which I retorted jokingly “won’t you first alight from the car!”

The goodwill messages continued the following day, coming from Rukayya S. Bayero in Abuja; Amb Segun Apata from Atlanta Georgia in the US, Sumaila Umaisha from Abuja; Hassana Ali from Abuja; Joseph Adonoo from Lagos. Rev. Samuel Osivwemu sent a gift of ram. More messages were received on the third day from Salamatu Sule and Prof. Razinat T. Mohammed both from Abuja. A further goodwill message was received from Funmilayo Theresa Akinwande from Ibadan on December 13, 2025 followed by Deborah C. Uzoma from Owerri the following day that also recorded the visit of the delegation of Bura Women Development Association (BUWDA) that presented a roll-up banner.

Well, this, in brief, is my account of the commemoration of my 83rd birthday anniversary celebration with gratitude to God for all His blessings. It is full of gratitude and great pleasure that I reproduce the messages of goodwill and tributes below.

Of course, the day didn’t end without profuse goodwill messages pouring in from all over the globe. Here’re what I got from friend, family and associates: “Birthday wishes. Good morning, Mr. President Sir. As we celebrate your birthday, I give thanks to God for placing you in my life. May your day be filled with joy, reflection, and hope for the year ahead, and may God continue to bless you and watch over you all the days of your life Sir. Best regards,” wrote Mohammed Alkali.

“Happy Birthday! Dear Sir. Today marks another milestone in your over eight decades of living. Although I consider everyday as your birthday, today is remarkable because you have attained the rare and enviable age of 83. I join you, your family and loved ones in giving gratitude to Almighty Allah for His mercies on you and your family. As a leader in public service, you have made an indelible mark on public service and security management especially, in Nigeria and your name has been written on the sands of history. As our mentor, we cannot thank you enough for your tutelage. May Allah SWT continue to favour you with long life in good health, sound mind and Imaan. Ameen ya Allah!! Yours respectfully,” Amb. Abdullahi Y. Shehu wrote.

“Birthday wishes. Happy birthday dear, Dr. Bukar Usman.” Cecilia Dabo wrote in. “May this day sparkle with warm hugs, sweet memories that linger like the frosting of a cake. Here’s to a life well lived, a heartful of love and many more beautiful moments ahead, a day replete with laughter that reverberates like a melliferous symphony, and a future aglow with serenity and splendour. I wish you many, many happy returns. Cheers to you dear celebrant – may your days be ever radiant and your heart forever buoyant! Hip, Hip, Hip. Hurray!!”

“Happy at 83. Dr. Bukar Usman (OON), President Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation, Abuja. Birthday greetings on your 83rd milestone! I, and my good family, extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous celebration of your life. May this special day bring you love, laughter, and fulfillment. We pray for your continued good health, happiness, and success in all endeavors. May Allah bless you abundantly and grant many more years of fruitful living. Happy birthday. Sincerely,” wrote in Mohammed Umar Midala.

Dr. Bukar Usman

“Happy Birthday, Alhaji Bukar Usman!!! Dear Alhaji Bukar. Good morning and hope you are doing great today. On behalf of the Management and Staff of Africa Prudential Plc, we wish you a happy birthday. May the year ahead bring you success, good health, and happiness. We value your trust in us and look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you. Enjoy your special day! Best regards,” Cynthia Mmonu wrote.

“Happy birthday Alhaji. I wish you the best of blessings as you enter the new age,” Catherine Nwosu wrote in.

“83rd. A guardian of culture, a fountain of wisdom, and a man whose words have preserved generations. May your new year be filled with strength, clarity, and the timeless greatness you have given to Nigeria and the world,” so wrote in Damcida Umar.

“Happy birthday. Happy birthday Dr. Bukar Usman. It’s been a pleasure having crossed paths with you for nearly a decade. On this special occasion as you celebrate your birthday today, may Almighty Allah continue to bless you in good health of mind/body and soul. Best wishes to you. Have a blessed day and a wonderful year ahead. Thank you again and again for your thoughtful and generous support that you have given me over the years. Thank you, Sir. Warm regards,” Regina Ogechukwu Nwangele wrote.

“Happy Birthday. Dear Sir. I’m using this medium to wish you a happy birthday. May the Lord remain your pillar of strength and wisdom. May good health, ceaseless joy and prosperity on all sides remain your experience. Best regards,” from Kemi Ayelabola.

“Wishing you a Happy Birthday Daddy. Dear Daddy. Happy Birthday, Sir! Today we all celebrate you; the strength, wisdom, and quiet sacrifice behind so much of what I’ve been able to become today. Thank you for always being there and your guidance. Your presence in my life is one of my greatest blessings. I’m grateful for all that you do; the big things, the small things, and everything in between. I pray this new year brings you continued health, deep peace, and beautiful moments of rest and reward. Wishing you a truly wonderful day, Sir. With love and respect,” wrote in Arc Hafsat Abimbola Usman.

“Congratulations, my Oga on this unique occasion of your birthday anniversary. This is indeed wishing you Happy Birthday and very many happy returns of your day, not only today but in the years that lie ahead. Continue to age gracefully and graciously, growing stronger daily in wisdom, love, fear and service of the Lord. Amen. Enjoy this gracious and lovely day with thanksgiving. Amen. Once more, Happy birthday, Sir,” from Japh Nwosu.

“Happy Birthday Sir!!! Wishing you many many more years of happy returns. Age with grace, Sir… Da fatan iyalan lafiya? Allah Kara mana lafiya da zaman lafiya. Naka,” from Adamu Mohamed.

“Good morning, Sir. Happy birthday to you, Sir. May your life be filled with good health, happiness and peace of mind, Amen. Happy Birthday, Sir,” from Moyo Olanipekun

“Good morning, Sir! This is wishing you a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day with God’s abundant blessings long life and prosperity! May Almighty Allah continue to grant you good health and strength! Best wishes,” from Olabode Moses.

“Good afternoon, Daddy. It is morning over here. I want to wish you happy birthday today. God has blessed you with a new age. I pray for good health, joy and happiness. Hope you are having a wonderful day,” from Halimat Folake Usman.

Salam alaykum Baba. I called you earlier to wish you happy birthday. Wishing long life and prosperity always,” from Fatima Abba Gana.

“A very happy birthday to a great and extraordinary gift to mankind. I celebrate the grace of God upon your life. As your years, so shall your strength be. 83 happy cheers to you, the quintessential Dr. Bukar Usman,” from Dr. Adaobi Nwoye.

Happy birthday, Sir. Many more years of sound health and happiness. Amen,” from President Customary Court of Appeal Enugu State, Justice George Chibueze Nnamani.

“Birthday wishes. Dear Sir. As you clock 83 years today with your tremendous effort and service to humanity on behalf of all of us, we wish you happy birthday, long life and prosperity. Thank you,” from Bala Ibrahim Mohammed.

“Happy birthday. My dear brother. My family joins me in congratulating you as you celebrate your birthday anniversary. We wish you many more happy anniversaries in excellent health. Please excuse us for the delay in reaching out with best wishes. Happy birthday my dear brother,” from Amb. Segun Apata.

“Congratulatory message. Assalamu ‘alaykum. I may be late in sending my congratulatory message to you Sir, but I’m sure any time is fine with you. Knowing how much you value your own, is greater than crawling on diamonds. As Allah preserves you for us, I pray HE continues to strengthen your health, and allow you more time to keep impacting on others. Man of the people is man of God. Congratulations and age with grace! Bissalam,” from Rukayya S. Bayero.

“Sir, you celebrate another birthday today. God will keep you in perfect health and sound mind in Jesus name. Happy birthday, Sir,” Rev. Sunday Otto.

“Assalamualaikum. Good afternoon, Sir. 10th December is not an ordinary day. It is a day an ICON, rare GEM and a Great Hero was born, Dr. Bukar Usman! May Allah continue to grant you sound and good health, long life, more blessings in all your affairs Aamin. Happy birthday to you my dearest Uncle,” Hassana Ali wrote in.

“Happy Birthday, Bukar Usman. Dear Bukar Usman. CIoD Nigeria celebrates with you on this joyous occasion of your birthday. We wish you fulfillment and happiness on this special day. Happy birthday and many happy returns of the day. Congratulations,” from the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria.

And from my bank I got this, “Happy Birthday. From your Access Bank Family! Today is extra special because it’s your birthday. We celebrate YOU and wish you a year filled with success, love and countless reasons to smile. Happy Birthday from all of us at Access Bank.”

“Good evening, Dr. Bukar Usman. It is never late. It is a great privilege to me to wish you a one day late or belated. Happy birthday to your good self and continue to pray to the most-high God to continue to protect you and the family and mot of all grant you all your heart desires. Happy Birthday, Sir,” from Joseph Adonoo.

AND also from my young friends in the literary community were not left out in the effusion of birthday wishes:

“Happy Birthday, Sir. I pray that as you add another year on this stage Earth, May Allah in His infinite mercy grant you good health and His bounties. May He grant you prosperity in all your endeavours and reward you for all you do for humanity for advocacy and for Literature. Happy Birthday, Sir,” from Salamatu Sule.

“Many happy returns. Assalamu alaikum Daddy. The social media is flooded with news of your birthday. May Allah SWT continue to bless you abundantly with good health and happiness. I join millions of your lovers and well-wishers to say a very hearty Happy birthday to you! Many more happy returns. Maasha Allahu,” from Prof. Razinat T. Mohammed.

“Salam. Just got a whiff that today is your birthday. Wishing you many happy birthdays ahead in good health and peace of mind,” from Denja Abdullahi.

“Happy birthday, Sir. May God grant you more health, long life and prosperity,” wrote in Sumaila Umaisha.

“Good Day Daddy. Happy birthday to you. December 10th remains a remarkable date because God blessed the universe with a humane, philanthropist, administrator, and writer in your making. Have a great year, and always know that you are blessed forever, Amen. Congratulations, Daddy at 83,” from Deborah C. Uzoma.

“Happy birthday to my precious and ever-cherished father, a born philanthropist, destinies shaper and re-shaper, writer of writers, teacher of tutors, opener of opportunity doors, a sacrificial giver, articulate and ever dynamic administrator. I can’t forget your indelible mark on the sands of this generation especially on my own part. I bless God on daily basis for your existence; you will be permanently relevant in all spheres of life in Jesus’ Name,” from Funmilayo Theresa Akinwande.

On the fourth day December 14, 2025 came a 5-member delegation of Bura Women Development Association (BUWDA), led by the Acting President, Mrs. Ladu Chimwasu Gali, to rejoice with me. They cheerfully recited ‘happy birthday…’ and prayed to God for more blessings. They also presented me a large roll-up banner with my portrait and kind words inscribed on it. We took pictures. Others in the delegation were Mrs. Rejoice Rufus Ngada (Treasurer), Mrs. Hassana Gana Dibal (Adviser), Mrs. Sheri Arhyel Ibrahim (Welfare Officer) and Mrs. Violet Haman Ndahi )Publicity Secretary).

The inscription on the roll-up banner reads: “Dear Dr. Bukar Usman. Grand Happy Birthday to You Sir, our Father, Uncle and Mentor, A man of integrity. You’re God’s gift to Bura land. A God fearing and absolute amazing personality. An exemplary leader, dogged and dependable, caring and compassionate. As you mark this special Birthday, may it come with every ramification of God’s blessings that your heart ever yearned for. May the Almighty grant you good health and peace of mind and desires of your heart as you age in God’s abundant grace Amen,” by Bura Women Development Association (BUWDA) Nigeria.

I expressed appreciation to the BUWDA delegation for their kind gesture and sacrificing the holy day Sunday to come and rejoice with me. As they stood to leave, one of them observed that I was looking better than when they last saw me to which the others agreed.