Maryam Babangida: So far, yet so near, By Yusuf Salman

She brought a lot of glamour to the office of the First Lady between 1985 and 1993 when her husband, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, was Military President of the most populous black nation of the world.

Dr (Mrs) Maryam Babangida was one star that shone like a million in the constellation of stars. A unique and detribalised Nigerian, mother, wife, friend, leader, mentor, and role model, she was everyman’s dream of attaining a perfect home.

Who would forget the Better Life for Rural Women project that she launched in 1987, mainly for the purpose of achieving gender equity with special focus on rural women. The programme was conceived to have direct bearing on the lives of rural women who had been variously described as the most sidelined, poorest and, therefore, the most vulnerable in Nigeria. Due to the landmark efforts of this Queen of the Heart, Nigerian women in the rural areas now have a strong voice. Now, it is not uncommon to see mothers tell their daughters that once upon a time, there lived a woman who cared for women.

Her programme led to Nigeria signing several United Nations conventions on elimination of discrimination against women. We speak the truth when we say that her programme led to the establishment of a National Commission for Women, which was upgraded to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Centre for Women Development. Maryam Babangida was indeed a woman of vision, a kind hearted leader, who, we are yet to see her kind.

Her Better Life project, or, like some later termed it-Life Don Better, got an African colouration in 2014, long after she left office as First Lady. Tagged: Better Life Programme for African Women, the former First Lady sought for a continent where all women would be treated equally, fairly and justly, with all the basic life’s necessity at arm’s reach. With her programme, she brought local and international attention to the plight of women. Her vibrancy as First Lady helped redefine that office. If other First Ladies had chosen to continue in her footsteps, the women folk would have been better off today.

Maryam lived a good life and left indelible footprints on the sands of time. Her name would forever be in gold. She was a woman of style, poise and her outstanding personality defined her epoch.

She lived a purposeful life, touching many lives along the way. As far as First Ladyship goes, she was a trailblazer. Both old and young loved her so dearly.

For the ancient Greek Philosopher, change is the only permanent thing in life. Improvement is tantamount to change and change in this 21st century is like a ticking clock, it never stops. This was how El-Amin International School was conceived. All thanks to the vision of this wonderful woman. Like all mortals, she knew that one day, she will be no more; but she had a vision, a vision to lay a legacy that would remain forever in the hearts of many. Today, El-Amin, the brainchild of this wonderful women has continued to churn out the best of students, remaining tops in ranking.

She lived yesterday so that our tomorrow would be better. Today, we have more women in government, thanks to this First Lady of First Ladies. Women are no longer seen as the weaker sex. Mariam’s yesterday made all this possible. Today, many are free and independent because of her yesterday. She has made our tomorrow better.

She left this sinful world nine years ago, to a faraway place, yet she is so near. So near in our hearts. She continues to fill the thoughts of many even after she had gone to her Maker.

Nigeria will continue to remember you, First Lady. To us, you left behind wonderful memories and enduring legacies. Rest on, our dear mother, leader, First Lady.

• Yusuf Salman is Personal Assistant to former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida. He contributes the article from Minna, Niger State.