Since its independence, Nigeria has had 13 heads of state and presidents, each of this powerful men stepped into the office with strong, beautiful women by their sides. Not only did they impact lives and make their marks while their husbands governed the country, they each stood out with their personalities and style preference.
From expensive labels to jaw-dropping designs, all first ladies had something unique about them but six out of these women remain etched in the hearts of many Nigerians because of how they elegantly managed their position of power and used it to make a difference.
Beauty, intelligence, class, all these six ladies possessed it to the level of their exposure. We presents six most powerful and stylish first ladies since Nigeria’s independence.
1. Late Maryam Babangida
Maryam was the wife of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who was Nigeria‘s head of state from 1985 to 1993. She married him in 1969, shortly after her 21st birthday. Upon her husband’s assumption into the highest office of the land, Maryam carved a niche for herself and created the office of the first lady.
She was known for many things including being an icon of beauty, fashion and style. The super woman was also very classy and always stepped looking modest and stylish.
As first lady, it’s known that she launched many programmes to improve the lives of women with an objective to impact generations.
She died on the December 27, 2009 at age 61 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
2. Maryam Abacha
An epitome of beauty and gracefulness, Maryam Abacha was and is still a stunning woman. She is the widow of Sani Abacha and served as first lady from 1993 to 1998. Her beauty was song about to the hearing of many Nigerians and it was even more because of the way she carried herself and was dedicated to using her office to make an impact.
Maryam Abacha founded National Hospital Abuja (originally National Hospital For Women And Children).
Her style was also unique, even though modest, Mrs Abacha finds a way to reflect her gorgeousness and fashion sense whenever she steps out. Mrs Abacha is 71.
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3. Late Stella Obasanjo
Stella was married to Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the 5th and 12th President of Nigeria. As first lady, she was very powerful and influential. She was a political activist in her own right, supporting such causes as women’s liberation, youth as leaders of tomorrow, and the rehabilitation of a war-torn Nigeria
Stella was beautiful and often referred to as the apple of her husband’s eye. Her style was also unique and classy. Her ivory complexion also did a lot in bringing attention her way.
Sadly, she passed away in 2005, at the age of 59 while undergoing elective liposuction in an exclusive clinic in Spain.
4. Turai Yar’Adua
Hajiya Turai Umar Musa Yar’Adua is the widow of late president Umar Musa Yar’Adua. She married him in 1975 and was Nigeria’s first lady from 2007 till the death of her husband in 2010. Turai was one of the most powerful first ladies, known to be silent but very influential. It is said that she had her husband’s ears at all times and for that reason, she commanded respect from the most powerful people in the country.
Turai who is 61 is classy and every modest in her style. However, there’s no argument that the labels of her outfits can break some people’s banks.
Turai rarely wore makeup and was not flashy in her style but her presence carried a lot of weight.
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5. Patience Jonathan
Patience Jonathan aka Mama P was a rare breed while she served as first lady of Nigeria from 2010-2015. Not only was she outspoken, she was known to be a free spirit and always made bold fashion statements . Her vivid personality always reflected in the clothes she steps out in.
Patience Faka Jonathan has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for her philanthropic work and political pragmatism. She received the “Beyond The Tears” International Humanitarian Award New York, USA.
6. Aisha Buhari
Aisha Muhammadu Buhari is the wife of Muhammadu Buhari, the president of Nigeria, who assumed office on 29 May 2015. For years, Mrs. Buhari has run a successful business as the founder/managing director of Hanzy Spa and principal of Hanzy Beauty Institute, a beauty salon in Kaduna and Abuja.
Now you know the super women who have, at different times, indirectly ran the affairs of the country and done so stylishly.
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