From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The El-Amin University auditorium in Minna, Niger State, was recently filled to capacity as family members, friends and associates assembled to celebrate the legacies of the late Maryam, wife of Nigeria’s former military president, Ibrahim Babangida. She died on December 27, 2009, in Los Angeles, United States, about 15 years ago.
The gathering was at the instance of her daughter, Fatima, who birthed the Halymah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation, in honour of her mother. The solemn gathering brought together eminent individuals.
Notable faces at the event included the First Lady of Niger State, Fatima Mohammed Bago; 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 of Niger State, Rakiya Ladidi Bawa.
Others included religious leaders and children of Ibrahim Babangida, Mohammed, who is the Pro Chancellor of El-Amin University and Aminu, who came to support their sister.
Also, in attendance were widows, students and the underprivileged who were empowered with scholarship and entrepreneurship support.
Mrs 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 her daughter had championed “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.”
Bago further remarked that the foundation’s scholarship programme would complement the sterling initiatives of her husband’s administration which is aimed at providing quality education and reducing barriers, particularly for the most vulnerable in the state.
While beaming, Mohammed Babangida said Halima, whom he described as “the baby of the house” was a very young lady 15 years ago, when their mother died.
He said it was a sight to behold that she had taken up the gauntlet to continue with their mother’s legacy through the birth of the HIB Foundation.
In addition, 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 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.”
Some of the beneficiaries said they would put to good use the the support they got to better their lives.
A beneficiary and a widow, Zainab Umar, 38, earlier recalled how her husband died, leaving behind three children, which she said was beyond her capacity to train in school. But with the assistance of Halima, her family would bounce back to life.
“I am hoping that Halima Foundation will help me so that i can start a business and use the money to train my children,” she said in anticipation.
Also, Salim Mohammed, a student of Geography at the IBB University, Lapai, said: “I have three other siblings who are still in school while our father is retired,” adding that getting a bursary from the foundation would be life-changing for him.