Dedicated to empowering young people through education, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
Nigeria’s First Lady (1985–1993), visionary leader, and pioneer of women’s empowerment whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Born on August 17, 1948. Dr. Maryam Babangida was raised in a family that valued education, discipline, and service. She was married to General Ibrahim Babangida, and together they were blessed with five children.
I have always believed that the development of women is the development of the nation.
Born on August 17
Passionate about education and community service
Became Nigeria's First Lady
Launched the Better Life Programme for Rural Women
Established the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women's Development
Passed away on December 27
Her legacy continues through the HIB Foundation
Born on August 17
Passionate about education and community service
Became Nigeria's First Lady
Launched the Better Life Programme for Rural Women
Established the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women's Development
Passed away on March 27
Her legacy continues through the HIB Foundation
Supported cooperatives, small businesses, cottage industries, farming initiatives, and markets.
Provided training in soap making, weaving, dressmaking, baking and other vocational skills.
Promoted farming, livestock production, fisheries, and food processing.
Improved maternal healthcare, hygiene, family planning, and community health.
Supported adult education, rural literacy programmes and awareness campaigns on women's right.
Supported cooperatives, small businesses, cottage industries, farming initiatives, and markets.
Provided training in soap making, weaving, dressmaking, baking and other vocational skills.
Promoted farming, livestock production, fisheries, and food processing.
Improved maternal healthcare, hygiene, family planning, and community health.
Supported adult education, rural literacy programmes and awareness campaigns on women's right.
Dr. Maryam Babangida dedicated her life to uplifting women and communities across Nigeria. Through her initiatives, she championed self-reliance, education, and sustainable development, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
From rural development programs to women’s skill acquisition centers, Dr. Babangida spearheaded countless projects that provided resources, training, and opportunities for self-sufficiency.
Her charitable outreach extended to health campaigns, scholarships, and support for widows and orphans, ensuring that vulnerable groups had access to care, dignity, and hope.
“We have women that are not educated; we have to empower them, we have to increase their economic ventures so as to be able to look after the kids.”
“The Better Life program has the interest and welfare of every woman, orphan, disabled, and widow. This was what motivated us to research into practices.”
Today, the Halymah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation continues to build on Dr. Maryam Babangida’s vision through education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.
Dedicated to empowering young people through education, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
