Bukar Usman Expands Literary Legacy With Release Of Six New Books
Veteran Author Releases Six New Works
PROLIFIC Nigerian writer and President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, Bukar Usman, has released six new books, further strengthening a literary career marked by scholarship, storytelling, and public commentary.
The new publications span memoir, folklore, literary criticism, biography, and nation-building themes, underscoring the breadth of the author’s interests and decades-long commitment to intellectual engagement.
Now aged 83, Usman remains one of Nigeria’s most productive elder literary voices.
The New Titles
Among the newly released books are:
- Looking Back, Looking Forward: 80th Birthday Reflections and Commentaries
- My Folklore Journey
- My Involvement in the World of Folktales
- Peace, Unity and Nation Building in Nigeria and Africa
- A Review of Philip Chikwuedo Asiodu CFR, CON, HLF: A Legacy of Dedication and Service
- Bukar Usman’s Short Stories: A Literary Analysis by Duve Nakolisa
Most of the titles were published in 2026 by Klamidas Communications Ltd.
Writing After Public Service
Usman said his post-retirement years became the turning point in his publishing journey.
After leaving public service in 1999, he decided to document his experiences and contribute to national discourse through books.
According to him, that process gradually led him deeper into the world of folktales, prompting extensive research across Nigeria.
He noted that folklore had benefited many people during childhood and adulthood, and deserved preservation through serious scholarship.
Championing Nigerian Folklore
Usman is widely associated with efforts to preserve oral traditions, folktales, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Folklore scholars say such work remains vital because oral heritage can disappear when not documented.
His books are seen as contributions to:
- Cultural preservation
- Indigenous storytelling traditions
- Academic research
- National identity discourse
- Intergenerational knowledge transfer
Productivity at 83
Despite his age, the author said he remains actively engaged in literary work, often supported by a small team.
He revealed that evenings, weekends, and public holidays are largely devoted to reading, reflection, and manuscript preparation.
The sustained output highlights the growing role of senior intellectuals in Nigeria’s publishing ecosystem.
A Broader Literary Message
Usman also expressed the belief that many people possess the potential to write if encouraged and supported.
That philosophy may resonate with emerging writers who see authorship as limited to a select few.
His continued productivity suggests that literary contribution is not confined by age, career background, or late beginnings.
Enduring Influence
With six additional books now in circulation, Bukar Usman’s body of work continues to expand as both a personal archive and a national cultural resource.
