I, Col. Gary Rilwan Usman Rtd, was born on the 22 Aug 1952 to Alhaji (Chief) Obeaguemeh Amanesi Usman, the Ogiesua of Auchi Kingdom and Alhaja (Princess) Sefietu Ikharo- Usman the daughter of Chief (Prince) Abdulai Ikharo the grand Prince of Ikharo Royal Ruling House of Auchi Kingdom of blessed memories. I grew up like any other boys of my age in Iyofa Community in Akpekpe qtrs. Auchi and in Olodi Apapa Lagos. As a young restless youth, I took part in activities like hunting for rabbits, grass cutters, digging for crickets and Rats. I also took part in fishing expeditions in Rivers Ole, Omemi and Ofosere. I was very good in hunting down grass cutters with a small locally made hunting gun given to me by my late father who was a renowned hunter in Afemai land and beyond.
I started my primary education at Zumuratu School Kirikiri road Olpdi Apapa in 1958 but transferred to EDC School Akpekpe Auchi in 1959. While preparing for my common entrance exam into the secondary school in 1963, my mother sought the assistance of a renowned teacher Mr. J. S. Ahmedu Aka Mr. Archimedes, a disciplinarian to coach her son to success. However the teacher thought that I was not ready for secondary education because of my poor basic knowledge skills. Consequently, he demoted me from primary six to primary two to ensure he imbibed the basic knowledge and skills that I was lacking.
Having completed my primary education in 1967, I was admitted into St Paul Anglican Grammar School Igarra in 1968. While in school I was active in school social activities and sports. I was a member of the school football team from 1970 till my graduation in 1972 playing as a striker, a winger as the case may be as midfielder because of my versatility.
On graduation in 1972 with a very good result in WASC, I got a job with the Nigerian Army Pay office Apapa in 1973 but left for a better offer in Nigeria Port Authority, Apapa Quay in 1975. My time with NPA was short lived because I secured an admission into the Nigerian Defense Academy Kaduna for Cadet Officers Training in 1976.
I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Dec 1976 and posted to Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport where I held various Command, Staff & teaching appointments. I also served in Headquarters of the Nigerian Army. I was one of 16 Officers selected from the Army, Navy and Air Force privileged to set up the defunct Nigerian National Guard in 1992.
I also served as the Chairman of the Nigerian Army Football Association and until recently a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Security Committee for eight years. Additionally, I am also a Paratrooper with ten jumps to my credit both in India and Nigeria.
Furthermore, I attended over 16 courses both in and outside Nigeria to enhance my capacity to handle numerous appointments that I was assigned during time in the service. I also, attended the Nigerian Armed Forces Command & Staff College Jaji Kaduna for my Pass Staff College (PSC). It is awarded after an intensive study in a military institution and it is equivalence to first degree in universities. I completed studies at University of Benin in Public Administration. For further studies, I went to Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University Bauchi for Advanced Diploma in Management and Lagos State University Ojo Lagos for post graduate studies in management.
While in the service, I was awarded with Defense Service Stars (DSS) Meritorious Service Stars (MSS) & Forces Service Stars (FSS) medals. I voluntarily retired from the service in 2001 after 28 years of service in the military.
I am currently the MD/CEO Chinooks Security Guard Ltd, a Security Consultancy outfit and Premium Support Services Ltd for Contract executions, Oil & gas services based in Lagos & Auchi. I am also, a member of Etsako Club 81, All Stars Football Club and the 12th Committee Club of Port Harcourt.
I am happily married with 6 children one of my kids is a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army while my nephew is a Flight Officer in the Nigerian Air Force.
To fulfill the 5th Tennant of his Islamic religion by Allah’s will Gary performed the Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina respectively in 2008 to the Glory of Almighty Allah. Allah wakball Sallam.