Dedicated to empowering young people through education, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
The Halymah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and opportunity. We believe every child has the potential to shape a better tomorrow when given the right resources and support.
Dr. Maryam Babangida (née Maria Ndidi Okogwu) was a Nigerian social advocate, philanthropist, and the First Lady of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993 during the administration of her husband, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. She became one of Nigeria’s most influential First Ladies because of her pioneering efforts in women’s empowerment, rural development, healthcare advocacy, education, and community development.
Her most recognised legacy remains the Better Life Programme for Rural Women, an initiative designed to improve the social and economic conditions of rural women across Nigeria through skills development, cooperative societies, agriculture, healthcare, and access to economic opportunities.
Dr. Maryam Babangida was born Maria Ndidi Okogwu on 1 November 1948 in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. She was the daughter of:
She spent part of her early life in Asaba before moving to Kaduna, where she attended Queen Amina’s College, Kaduna. She later trained in secretarial studies at the Federal Training Centre, Kaduna, obtained a diploma in secretarial studies from La Salle Extension University, Chicago, and received computer training from the NCR Institute in Lagos.
She married Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in 1969. They had four children: Mohammed, Aminu, Aisha, and Halima.
Before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. Maryam Babangida was already involved in organised community service through the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA). When her husband became Chief of Army Staff, she served as President of NAOWA and initiated several welfare projects, including:
These experiences shaped her later national focus on women and rural development.
Dr. Maryam Babangida was born Maria Ndidi Okogwu on 1 November 1948 in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. She was the daughter of:
She spent part of her early life in Asaba before moving to Kaduna, where she attended Queen Amina’s College, Kaduna. She later trained in secretarial studies at the Federal Training Centre, Kaduna, obtained a diploma in secretarial studies from La Salle Extension University, Chicago, and received computer training from the NCR Institute in Lagos.
She married Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in 1969. They had four children: Mohammed, Aminu, Aisha, and Halima.
Dedicated to empowering young people through education, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
