Late Maryam Babangida Immortalized: First Lady renames National Centre for Women Development

Late Maryam Babangida Immortalized: First Lady renames National Centre for Women Development

The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, officially immortalized the late Mrs. Maryam Babangida on Tuesday in Abuja by renaming the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) after her.

During the commissioning of the former National Women Development Centre as the Maryam Babangida National Centre, the First Lady also unveiled her own portrait and a compendium of activities of the First Lady and Wives of Governors of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.

She spoke highly of the late Maryam’s sterling contributions to the lives of ordinary Nigerians and described her as a matriarch who had a significant impact on women, especially those in rural areas and across Africa.

“Her Excellency, the late Maryam, was an icon who redefined the scope of women’s participation in national development. Her pet program, ‘Better Life for Rural Dwellers,’ touched the lives of countless ordinary citizens, especially in rural areas,” said the First Lady.

“I am delighted that I was part of the ninth National Assembly Senate when the bill for renaming the centre was passed and assented into law.”

The event was graced by dignitaries, including the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, two sons of the late Maryam, Mohammed and Amino Babangida, the Director-General of the centre, Dr. Asabe Bashir, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Monilola Udoh.

According to Udoh, the bill for the name change was passed by the Senate on March 29, 2023, and the House of Representatives approved it on April 5, 2023. The renaming aligns with the amendment of the National Centre for Women Development Act, Cap. N15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to enhance the functions of the centre.

“The government under the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari approved the bill by assenting to it in May 2023,” Udoh added.

Asabe Vilita-Bashir, the Director-General of the centre, highlighted the immense contributions of the late first lady, especially her “Better Life for Rural Women” project, which had a positive impact on the lives of women nationwide.

“Maryam Babangida is someone Nigerian women will never forget. We are renaming the centre to encourage other women leaders to emulate her virtues, commitment, and support for women. Her legacy will be recorded by history,” she said.

Moji Makanjuola, the Chairman of the Implementing Committee for Infrastructure and Renaming of the centre, emphasized the significance of the renaming for women.

“It is essential to remember our history to better shape our present and future. With this change, Nigerian women have united their voices for a focused approach to women’s development. I pray that the centre continues to expand and becomes a beacon of hope for Nigerian women and black women around the world.”

Hajiya Aliyu, a beneficiary of the late Maryam Babangida’s program, “Better Life for Rural Women,” praised the renaming of the centre as a fitting recognition of its positive impact on the lives of Nigerian women.

“This will remind people, including other first ladies, to surpass her achievements and not let years pass without making a difference in the lives of Nigerian women,” she said.

NAN