Families, associates, and admirers of the late historian and political thinker, Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman, have reflected on his legacy two decades after his passing.

The reflections came during a symposium organized by the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute in Zaria to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his death.

Themed “History as Praxis: Yusufu Bala Usman 20 Years After,” the event brought together academics, politicians, and diplomats.

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Prominent attendees included Prof. Attahiru Jega, Prof. Jerome Gefu, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Prof. Mike Kwanashie, and Dr. Auwalu Anwar. Others such as Prof. Wasilu Alli, Malam Abdullahi Mohammed, Prof. Chris Kwaja, and Ambassador Abdu Zango also participated in person or virtually.

Speakers highlighted Usman’s deep commitment to ideology-driven politics, his scholarship, and his role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Ambassador Abdu Zango particularly recalled his contribution to the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed’s 1976 address at the OAU Summit in Addis Ababa, where the phrase “Africa has come of age” was declared.

The symposium also featured discussions on sustaining Usman’s ideas, with calls for regular forums to promote his ideology and to mentor young leaders.

Dr. Usman, who died on September 24, 2005, was renowned for his scholarship, political activism, and advocacy for good governance.

His books and journals remain reference materials for researchers and students of history and politics in Nigeria and beyond.