Halima Ibrahim Babangida Launches NGO to Honor Late Mother’s Legacy of Empowerment
The memory of Maryam Babangida, the late wife of former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, was vividly brought to life in Minna on Saturday, when her youngest daughter, Halima, launched the Halymah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation (HIB Foundation). The foundation seeks to carry forward her mother’s legacy of empowering women and children, focusing on education and entrepreneurship.
The event, which attracted a large crowd of widows, students, and other less privileged individuals, was filled with hopes of benefiting from various programs such as empowerment initiatives, scholarships, and entrepreneurship support.
Key Figures at the Launch
The First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, served as the special guest of honor, while the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, was the Father of the Day. Also present were notable figures including Hajia Maimuna Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic Education, and Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, who praised the initiative for its focus on serving humanity.
Foundation’s Focus and Initiatives
Halima, in her address, reflected on her late mother’s efforts to uplift rural women and children, saying, “I remember vividly how my mother would sit with rural women, teaching them to read, showing them that knowledge was their greatest asset.”
To honor her mother’s legacy, the foundation introduced three key initiatives:
- Empowering 300 widows and young entrepreneurs through skill-building and financial support.
- Funding WAEC and JAMB fees for 4,000 students, offering critical assistance to youth pursuing education.
- Establishing a comprehensive bursary program for 500 undergraduates to further their studies.
Halima emphasized that the foundation’s mission was not just to pay tribute but to actively make a difference. She called on everyone to join the movement, urging, “Better Education, Better Youth, Better Nation” is our blueprint for transformation.
A Legacy of Compassion
The First Lady of Niger State echoed Halima’s sentiments, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Dr. Maryam Babangida, whom she described as “one of Niger State’s finest daughters,” a visionary who worked tirelessly to uplift rural women and families. The First Lady highlighted that Halima’s efforts are in direct alignment with the goals of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s administration to provide quality education and reduce barriers for vulnerable groups in the state.
Guest Contributions and Empowerment
The event also included the distribution of cash and empowerment items to widows, while school principals received payments for WAEC and JAMB fees for 4,000 students. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to talented undergraduates. Halima’s elder brothers, Mohammed and Aminu Babangida, supported the event, with Mohammed, the Pro-Chancellor of El-Amin University, noting that the foundation embodies their late mother’s passion for education and helping the poor.
Halima concluded, “Today, we don’t just launch a foundation; we ignite a movement. Join us in this mission. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or community leader, you have a role in this transformation.”
With this launch, Halima is determined to continue the impactful work that her mother began, lighting the way for a brighter, more educated future for many.
