Many will remember vividly how Barack Obama described Michelle as his rock, but my vivid recollection of such description was the role and person of Late Maryam Babangida.
She didn't ask for the role but she took it up effortlessly and went about it selflessly.
Through her activities, she was the bedrock of various women empowerment programs implemented by her husband's administration and successive ones.
As First Lady of Nigeria between 1985 and 1993, she turned the ceremonial post into a champion for women's rural development. She founded the Better Life Programme for Rural Women in 1987 which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women’s centres and social welfare programs.
The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women's Development was established in 1993 for research, training, and to mobilize women towards self-emancipation.
She championed women issues vigorously.
She reached out to the first ladies of other African countries to emphasize the effective role they can play in improving the lives of their people.
She established a glamorous persona and at the opening of the seven-day Better Life Fair in 1990, She was described as being like a Roman empress on a throne, regal and resplendent in a flowing outfit that defied description...
She was his rock while in and out of office.
She was a feminist and a true definition of feminism.
She was a supportive wife and a great mother.
She combined public and private life so well. So seamlessly...
Nigerians responded to her as a role model, and her appeal lasted long after her husband left office.
In all, she was his rock and our pride.
Nigerians were proud of her...
She was a source of pride for us all.
On this day, I join my Principal; Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida(Rtd) and his family is praying for the repose of the soul of Late Maryam Babangida.
May Allah in His infinite mercy grants the family to keep enduring this irreplaceable loss.
In loving memory of Late Maryam Babangida
(November 1, 1948- December 27, 2009).
Written By Yemi Saka
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