…Support Less Privileged
The memory of Maryam Babangida, the late wife of former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, was celebrated in Minna on 18th January, 2025, as her youngest daughter, Halima, unveiled her new charity, the Halymah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation.
The event, held at the El-Amin University auditorium, saw a large turnout of widows, students, and community members eager to benefit from the foundation’s empowerment initiatives, scholarships, and entrepreneurship support.
Although the event was set to begin at 10am, attendees arrived as early as 8am, hoping to receive help from the foundation. The foundation had promised to offer start-up capital to 300 widows, while 500 students would be granted bursaries to support their higher education. Additionally, 4,000 youths in Niger State were set to receive financial assistance for their WAEC and JAMB exams.
Among the distinguished guests were Niger State’s First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, and the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago. The ceremony also saw key figures such as the Commissioner for Basic Education, Hajia Maimuna Mohammed, and the Chairman of Bosso Local Government, Hajiya Rakiya Ladidi Bawa, in attendance.
Halima’s elder brothers, Mohammed and Aminu Babangida, also supported their sister, with Mohammed speaking about their late mother’s passion for education and helping the less fortunate. He praised Halima for continuing their mother’s legacy through the foundation.
The First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, delivered a speech on the occasion, recognising Maryam Babangida as a visionary who worked tirelessly to uplift rural women and families. She also praised Halima for continuing her mother’s work, particularly in promoting education for disadvantaged children.
Halima, visibly emotional, spoke about how her mother inspired the foundation and the work they aim to do. “Today, as we launch this foundation, we honour her legacy not just with words, but with action,” she said. Halima announced that the foundation would empower 300 widows, support 4,000 students with their exams, and provide scholarships for 500 undergraduates.
She also paid tribute to her childhood friend, Fatima Dangote, for sharing her vision of making a difference. “The Halimah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation stands as a testament to what becomes possible when vision meets action,” Halima said, encouraging everyone to join the movement for change.
After the speeches, guests distributed cash, business grants, and educational assistance to the recipients, marking a new chapter in the Babangida family’s commitment to improving lives in Niger State.
By Ebriku John Friday
