Comprehensive Biography of HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar (OON, L’ONN),

The Seventy-Seventh Mai Machinama and the First Class Emir of Machina Emirate, Yobe State, Nigeria

Early Life and Education

His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar, an eminent traditional ruler and visionary leader, was born on January 1, 1958, in the ancient town of Machina, Yobe State, Nigeria. He is the eldest son of the late Mai Machinama, Alhaji Mai Bukar Ibn Aliyu Idrisa, whose legacy of leadership and service has profoundly influenced his life and reign.

HRH Alhaji Bashir began his educational journey at Central Primary School in Machina in 1966. He completed his primary education in 1972, earning his Primary School Leaving Certificate. His academic pursuit continued at the Government Craft School in Maiduguri in 1973, but due to the school’s closure, he transferred to Craft School Gombe in the same year. When the government introduced the Universal Primary Education (U.P.E.) policy in 1974, HRH Alhaji Bashir transitioned to Teachers’ College Gombe, where he successfully completed his teacher training, obtaining the Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in 1977.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, HRH Alhaji Bashir continued his education at the Borno College of Education in Maiduguri, earning his Nigeria Certificate in Education (N.C.E.) in 1984. His academic journey did not stop there; he proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education (French/Linguistics) in 1990. His commitment to education and public service led him back to the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) in 1997.

Professional Career

HRH Alhaji Bashir’s professional career is marked by a steady rise through the ranks of the educational and civil service sectors. He began his career as a class teacher at Kori Primary School in Machina in 1977, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. After teaching for two years, he pursued further studies and then completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1984/85, serving at Abraka Grammar School in Bendel State.

In 1985, HRH Alhaji Bashir joined the Borno State Civil Service as a French teacher at Government Day Secondary School in Gashu’a. His passion for development saw him transition to the North East Arid Zone Development Program (NEAZDP) in 1990, where he served as a Development Area Promoter (DAP) in Tagali and later in Machina. During his tenure in Machina, HRH Alhaji Bashir undertook the dual responsibilities of District Head and Development Area Promoter, a testament to his exceptional leadership and ability to manage complex roles.

 Ascension to the Throne

The turning point in HRH Alhaji Bashir’s life came on March 30, 1998, when he was appointed the Second Class Emir of Machina Emirate following the passing of his father. His leadership was soon recognized, and on December 15, 1999, the Yobe State Government elevated the Machina Emirate to First Class status. HRH Alhaji Bashir was officially presented with the First-Class Staff of Office on May 7, 2000, in a grand ceremony that underscored his importance as a leader and custodian of tradition.

As the Emir of Machina, HRH Alhaji Bashir has been instrumental in promoting peace, security, education, and cultural preservation within his emirate and beyond. His reign has been marked by efforts to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the values and customs of the Machina people are preserved while also embracing progress and development.

National and International Recognition

HRH Alhaji Bashir’s contributions to his community, state, and nation have been widely recognized. In 2002, he was awarded the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. His efforts in promoting peace and cultural exchange were further recognized in 2019 when he received the prestigious L’Ordre National du Niger (L’ONN) from the President of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency Elhadj Issoufou Mahamadou.

HRH Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar’s contributions to education, public administration, and community development have earned him numerous accolades. Notably, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) by ISM Adonai University, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, on October 6, 2018, in recognition of his outstanding service to humanity and his community.

Other notable awards include the Award of Appreciation from Ohio University in the USA, the Award of Excellence from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Machina Local Government Area, and the Community Service Award from Zumunta Association USA Inc. His efforts in promoting peace and security have also been recognized by the Federal Road Safety Commission, the United Nigeria Chaplaincy, and various cultural and educational organizations.

Contributions to Peace and Security

HRH Alhaji Bashir has played a significant role in promoting peace and security within his emirate and across Nigeria. He has served on numerous committees and panels focused on peace and security, including the Machina Local Government Peace and Security Committee, the Yobe State Amir-ul Hajj team, and the Northern Peace Conference. His insights and leadership have been invaluable in addressing security challenges and fostering peaceful coexistence in his region.

Scholarly Contributions

A scholar and public intellectual, HRH Alhaji Bashir has shared his knowledge and experience through various scholarly contributions. He has presented papers on topics such as traditional leadership, local government administration, and cultural heritage at national and international forums. Notably, he has presented at Ohio University in the USA and at legislative dialogues in Nigeria, where his insights have helped shape discussions on governance, culture, and tourism.

Hobbies and Personal Life

Beyond his official duties, HRH Alhaji Bashir is an avid farmer and animal rearer, reflecting his deep connection to the land and his people. He also enjoys horse riding, playing hockey, and visiting tourist centers. A passionate reader, HRH Alhaji Bashir is deeply interested in discussions on national and public issues, where he often contributes his perspectives on leadership and governance.

HRH Alhaji Bashir is widely traveled, having visited countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. These travels have enriched his understanding of global cultures and governance, further enhancing his ability to lead his people effectively.

HRH Alhaji Bashir is happily married and blessed with children, who continue to be a source of joy and pride. His life is a testament to the power of education, dedication, and service, and he remains committed to the progress and well-being of the Machina Emirate and its people.

Conclusion

HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar’s life is a beacon of leadership, scholarship, and service. As the Seventy-Seventh Mai Machinama and the First Class Emir of Machina, his reign has brought progress, peace, and cultural preservation to his emirate. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to his people, his nation, and the values that define his leadership.