Alhaji Usman Faruk (1932 – December 18, 2020) was a prominent Nigerian military officer, police chief, and statesman who played a defining role in governance during the formative years of Nigeria’s state creation. He was the first Military Governor of North-Western State, serving from 1967 to 1975 under the regime of General Yakubu Gowon. His tenure coincided with the Nigerian Civil War and the broader restructuring of the federation, making him one of the key figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1932 in Gombe, Usman Faruk would later be honored with the traditional title of Jarman Gombe, a recognition of his standing in society. He joined the Nigerian Army during the early post-independence period, a time when the military was expanding in influence as the young nation grappled with political instability.

Faruk eventually transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, where he rose through the ranks to become a Commissioner of Police, one of the highest offices in law enforcement. His dual background in the army and the police reflected the fluidity of Nigeria’s security institutions during this era.

Appointment as Military Governor

In 1967, General Yakubu Gowon announced a sweeping restructuring of Nigeria’s political map, breaking up the four large regions into twelve new states. The old Northern Region was divided, and North-Western State was created—comprising what is today Sokoto State and parts of Niger State.
Faruk was appointed the first Military Governor of North-Western State, placing him at the forefront of building governance structures in a new administrative unit at a time of war and uncertainty.

Governance and Achievements

As governor (1967–1975), Faruk laid the institutional foundations of the new state government. His administration emphasized:

Institution-building: Setting up ministries, administrative units, and civil service structures for effective governance.

Education: Supporting the development of schools and technical institutions. He played a role in the establishment of Sokoto State Polytechnic (later renamed Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic).

Agriculture and Infrastructure: Initiating early agricultural development schemes to support the largely rural economy, while investing in roads and state infrastructure.

Security and Stability: Maintaining peace in a state bordering the conflict zones of the Civil War (1967–1970).

Faruk remained in office until July 1975, when General Gowon’s government was overthrown in a coup led by General Murtala Muhammed, which brought an end to his governorship.

Later Life and Public Engagement

After his retirement from service, Faruk continued to play a significant role as a public elder statesman. He was often consulted on political matters, security issues, and questions of Nigeria’s unity.

In interviews and public statements, he stressed the importance of stability, good governance, and cohesion in a diverse federation like Nigeria.

As Jarman Gombe, he also embodied the link between Nigeria’s modern political institutions and traditional authority, serving as a cultural custodian in his home state.

Death and Legacy

Alhaji Usman Faruk passed away on December 18, 2020, at the age of 88. His death marked the passing of one of the last surviving military governors from the Gowon era.

Faruk’s legacy rests on his pioneering role in laying the administrative foundations of North-Western State, his contributions to education and public service, and his continued engagement in national debates long after leaving office.

Sources
Vanguard News, “First Military Governor of North-Western State, Usman Faruk, dies at 88,” December 18, 2020.

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South Africa’s top court ruled Thursday that men should be able to take their wives’ surnames and a law that prevented this amounted to unfair gender discrimination.

The Constitutional Court said the legal ban served no legitimate government purpose and was suspended, paving the way for parliament to enact amendments to the legislation.

While men were deprived of the ability to take their wives’ surnames, the discrimination was “far more insidious” for women, the ruling said.

It “reinforces patriarchal gender norms, which prescribe how women may express their identity, and it makes this expression relational to their husband, as a governmental and cultural default,” it said.

The case was brought to court by two couples, one of which wanted to honour the woman’s parents who died when she was young. In the other case, the woman wanted to keep her ties to her family surname as she was an only child.

Previously, men would have to apply to the home affairs department to change their surname, a request that was not automatically granted.

Provisions allowing men to assume their wives’ surname on marriage are already in place in other countries, mainly in Europe and in certain US states.

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Adewale Ayuba (born 25 March 1965), popularly known as Mr. Johnson, is a celebrated Nigerian Fuji musician. A dynamic performer and innovative artist, he is best recognized for pioneering a distinct subgenre of Fuji known as Bonsue Fuji, earning him the titles “Bonsue Fuji King” and “Bonsue Fuji Maestro.”

Early Life

Adewale Ayuba was born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, where he grew up immersed in the vibrant Yoruba musical culture. His passion for music developed at a young age, and by the time he was a teenager, Ayuba had already begun performing publicly. His early exposure to Fuji—a genre rooted in traditional Yoruba Islamic music and social commentary—shaped his career trajectory.

Musical Career

Ayuba gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, standing out for his smooth voice, energetic stage presence, and ability to modernize Fuji without losing its cultural essence.
In 1986, he released his debut album, Ibere (Beginning), which set the stage for his rise in the Fuji music scene.

His breakthrough came in the 1990s, particularly after the release of Bubble, which enjoyed both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Unlike traditional Fuji, Ayuba’s Bonsue Fuji introduced faster rhythms, contemporary arrangements, and lyrics that appealed to both young and older audiences.

Contributions and Style

Ayuba’s Bonsue Fuji represents a deliberate reinvention of Fuji, making it more accessible to urban audiences and international listeners. Some defining features of his style include:

Upbeat, dance-friendly tempos.

Cleaner, more radio-friendly lyrical delivery compared to traditional Fuji.

Infusion of contemporary instruments and production styles.

This reinvention helped Fuji cross into mainstream Nigerian pop culture and attracted non-Fuji audiences.

Recognition and Legacy

Ayuba has been widely celebrated for his innovations in Fuji music, often credited with making the genre appealing beyond its traditional fan base.

His albums and live performances have earned him accolades within Nigeria and among the Nigerian diaspora.

He remains a strong advocate of Fuji as a cultural export, performing across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Personal Life

Though details about his private life remain relatively low-profile, Ayuba is admired not only for his music but also for his discipline and clean image, which set him apart in an industry sometimes plagued by controversies.

Legacy

Adewale Ayuba’s work has cemented him as one of the most innovative voices in Nigerian Fuji. By creating Bonsue Fuji, he bridged generational gaps in music, ensuring Fuji’s relevance in a rapidly changing Nigerian music industry. His influence continues to inspirer younger Fuji and Afrobeats artists who look to blend tradition with modernity.

Sources:
Vanguard Nigeria Music Archives.

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