From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The daughter of Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, Halima Babangida, at the weekend, honoured her late mother, Maryam, with the launch of the Halymah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation.
Babangida died on December 27, 2009, in Los Angeles, United States of America.
The event, which took place at the El-Amin University auditorium in Minna, Niger State, was attended by the First Lady of Niger State, Fatima Mohammed Bago, and the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, Commissioner for Basic Education, Maimuna Mohammed; Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, Ladi Mustapha, and Chairman of Bosso Local Government Area, Rakiya Ladidi Bawa.
Others in attendance included the children of Ibrahim Babangida, Mohammed, who is the Pro Chancellor of El-Amin University, and Aminu, who came to support their sister.
Also present were widows, students, and the underprivileged who benefitted from either the empowerment initiative, scholarships, or entrepreneurship support.
Bago, represented by Hadiza Maikano, commended Halima for her initiative, saying that the event reminded her of the “enduring legacy of one of Niger State’s finest daughters. Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida was not just a mother to her children; she was a mother to the entire nation, a visionary who worked tirelessly to uplift rural women and families.”
She said it was befitting that it was her daughter who is now “continuing her mother’s journey of compassion and empowerment,” adding that she had “chosen education as her platform, ensuring that young boys and girls, especially those with limited opportunities, can dream big and achieve even more.”
The First Lady further remarked that the foundation’s scholarship programme would complement the initiatives of Governor Mohammed Bago’s administration, which is aimed at providing quality education and reducing barriers, particularly for the most vulnerable in the state.
Mohammed Babangida said Halima, whom he described as “the baby of the house,” was a baby 15 years ago, when their mother died. He said she is now the one carrying on Maryam Babangida’s legacy through the HIB Foundation.
A guest, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, commended the HIB Foundation and the founder for choosing not to be an onlooker but an active participant in the service of humanity.
Lemu described her effort as similar to the attempt to stop the Titanic (ship in a film by James Cameron) from sinking. He said Halima could choose to do nothing to uplift others, but decided she would do something.
In her speech, Halima said her late mother was the inspiration for the project and that she decided to launch it to commemorate the 15th year of her passing.
“I remember vividly how my mother would sit with rural women, teaching them to read, showing them that knowledge was their greatest asset.
“As we launch the Halimah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation on this 15th anniversary of her passing, we honour her legacy not just with words, but with decisive action.”