Elders and associates who knew him close-up pointed out that his forth fright-ness, openness, humility and humbleness all placed him in a position to achieved greatly during his sojourn in this world. He worked assiduously towards the development of the region and the country at large. 

He was born in 1925 in Maska town and passed away precisely on 6th November, 1968. He started his primary education in 1933 at Bakori Primary School between 1937 to 1940, and on successful completion he joined the famous Katsina Middle School for the post-primary education. On successful completion of studies, he joined the Katsina Native Authority and was subsequently appointed Secretary for Malumfashi and Kaita Districts. He served the Native Authority diligently and to the admiration of most. This led to his appointment as a village head in 1944 and also served as the deputy to his father, the then Sarkin Maska, Late Mallam Muhammadu Sambo of blessed memory. This also mark a period of recognition of his selfless service to the native authority especially as he was always called upon to act on behalf of the authority on several occasions. He also acted successfully on behalf of his father on many occasions. Between 1946 to 1953, he was in addition to his role as a village head, incharge of the administrative aspect of the district.This further earned him the title of Galadiman Maska. In 1956, he contested and won election in the Northern House of Assembly under the platform of the Northern Peoples’ Congress(NPC). The same year, he was appointed the Minister of Internal Affairs. He remained in this position even after the independence of 1960 and make landmark achievements in areas of Security and Immigration laws. He was among the Ministers that the Late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello have much confidence on. After nine years of serving as Minister of Internal Affairs, he was reassigned to Works Ministry as the Minister. Following the Infamous Coup of January 15th, 1966 which claimed the lives of Late Sir Ahmadu Bello and other notable elders, he continued as usual as Village Head and also deputising for then Sarki Muhammadu Sambo. He was installed as Sarkin Maska following the death of his father.

Late Sarki Shehu Usman belongs to the group of past elders whose life ought to be adequately extolled and emulated. He was a selfless leader whose major concern is to see that the region becomes a better place. 

He received several honours amongst which includes the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR).

May Allah subhannahu Wata’allah grant him aljanna firdausi (Ameen)