Former Military President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) has described his late wife, Maryam Babangida, as the pillar of his life.
Maryam was born in Asaba, Delta State, on November 1, 1948. She died on December 27, 2009, in the United States due to ovarian cancer.
She married Babangida in 1969 and became known for changing the role of the First Lady in Nigeria. Her fashion style also became popular during her time as First Lady.
In 1987, Maryam started the “Better Life Programme for Rural Women.” This programme helped women in rural areas by creating cooperatives, small industries, farms, shops, markets, women’s centers, and social welfare services.
In 1993, she also established the “Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development” to help women gain education, skills, and independence.
During the launch of his book titled “A Journey in Service,” Babangida praised his late wife, saying, “She is the pillar of my personal and professional journey.”
He explained that the military encouraged officers to have stable family lives. After surviving a near-death experience during the Nigerian Civil War, Babangida decided to focus on building a strong family.
Babangida shared how he met Maryam, whose birth name was Maria. He first saw her at the home of his friend, Garba Duba, in Kaduna. Duba’s aunt, Asabe, was Maryam’s mother.
Over time, Babangida and Maryam grew close and stayed in touch, even when he traveled abroad for military training. Their bond became stronger, and they eventually got married.
As Babangida’s career advanced, Maryam supported him both at home and in public life. She reshaped the role of the First Lady by leading programmes that helped military families and Nigerian women.
“Maryam wanted to be more than a housewife; she recognised the importance of the home front in our mutual success. Throughout my career, she stood beside me,” Babangida said.
Maryam’s work through the “Better Life Programme” empowered many women, improving their education and economic status. Her influence reached beyond Nigeria, inspiring other First Ladies across Africa to play active roles in society.
