Remembering Maryam Ibrahim Babangida
Today marks the 11th Anniversary of the death of Nigeria’s most glamorous and adorable First Lady–Maryam Ibrahim Bababangida. She died at a US Hospital on December 27, 2009 after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on November 1, 1948.
Her Better Life For Rural Women was a project for which she will always be remembered. The project was aimed at “reducing maternal and child mortality rate by increasing basic healthcare facilities for women, provide income generating opportunities in agriculture and cottage industries, integrate rural women into national development plans and develop educational training for women.” Despite the criticisms that dogged the Better Life programme, especially its funding, the achievements of the project overshadowed its perceived shortcomings.
To her credit, Maryam Babangida avoided controversy or involving herself in influence peddling or collecting money from people seeking appointments or government’s contracts. She was thus able to deny would-be critics the ammo with which to pull her down. Unknown to many, she was also disciplined woman who took the dignity of her office seriously.
As a mother, she was a passionate woman who gave unstinting love to her husband and children. She was also a sophisticated woman who would publicly adjust the shoes of her husband to make him look presidential. When it comes to fashion, she was a pacesetter. Maryam was so loved and so influential that she could make the cheapest clothes fashionable. Every dress she wore made a statement. This was rare in our history of First Ladies.
May gentle soul continue to rest in peace. Amin!
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