- The main auditorium of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development is renamed after Dr. Maryam Abacha
- Dr. Maryam Abacha was praised for her advocacy for peace on the African continent and her contributions to women’s advancement
The main auditorium of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development has been renamed after Dr Maryam Abacha, the wife of former military Head of State late Gen. Sani Abacha.
The hall, which was previously known as the African Peace Mission Hall, was unveiled by the First Lady and renamed after Abacha in honour of her strong advocacy for peace on the African continent.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said in her keynote address that the event was a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to strengthen connections and solidify progress towards achieving unity and lasting relationships among women.
Maryam Abacha was described as a woman of exceptional character and unwavering dedication to the advancement of the entire African continent.
Her advocacy led to the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with a woman appointed as cabinet minister, this was replicated in various states and expands the visibility of Nigerian women.
Recently during the renaming of this centre, I emphasised for women to bridge gaps, exhibit exemplary conducts and focus beyond our differences as the unity among us as women more important. This event is significant in as it forms a major steps toward establishing a lasting legacy of peace within our nation.
In our journey toward harmony and prosperity, it is essential we recognise and pay tribute to those individuals who played pivotal roles in advancing peace and stability.
Other speakers, including the Director General of the Centre, Mrs Asabe Bashire, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Monilola Udoh, echoed the First Lady’s submission.
They both celebrated women’s rising power in the cause of national reconstruction.
Dr. Maryam Abacha prayed for the success of the country and the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
She acknowledged that most women in positions of power are well-educated and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to influence the nation.
She expected the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to perform better.
She also recommended that all women be encouraged to be useful and relevant to national development.
I want to plead with you all that no woman should be left behind in responsibilities. I am glad that I am party to the establishment of this centre and I thank the First Lady and the center for finding me worthy to put my name in the edifice like this”.
I will get some of our interviews and activities together in documents for history and to encourage you to become better than us because during our time, most of us were not graduates. We tried our best and left the rest but now we have those who are well educated and enlightened who will take Nigerians to the best of places for women.
Remember that the first lady renamed the National Centre for Women Development after one of the nation’s matriarchs, Late Mrs Maryam Babangida, on July 18?
The event became yet another chapter in the growing story of women’s peace and solidarity.