Halima Babangida launches foundation to honour late mother

Halima Babangida, daughter of the late Maryam Babangida, has launched the Halymah Ibrahim Babangida (HIB) Foundation in honour of her mother.

Maryam was the wife of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Nigeria’s head of state from 1985 to 1993.

She died from ovarian cancer at the age of 61 in December 2009.

Speaking at the unveiling of the foundation in Minna, Niger state capital, Halima said her late mother’s dedication to uplifting women and promoting education inspired the creation of HIB.

She added that the launch marked the 15th anniversary of her passing.

She said the foundation has three initiatives, including empowering 300 widows and young entrepreneurs and funding senior school certificates and matriculation examinations for 4,000 indigent students.

Halima said the foundation would also establish a comprehensive bursary programme to support 500 undergraduates.

“I remember vividly how my mother would sit with rural women, teaching them to read, showing them that knowledge was their greatest asset,” she said.

“As we launch the Halimah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation on this 15th anniversary of her passing, we honour her legacy not just with words, but with decisive action.

“While my dear friend Fatima Dangote cannot be here physically today, our shared vision remains unshaken.

“We chose to launch here, where our own journey began, because we believe in the power of roots, in the strength of coming full circle, and in the importance of giving back to the soil that nurtured us.

“The Halimah Ibrahim Babangida Foundation stands as a testament to what becomes possible when vision meets action. Our mission—’better education, better youth, better nation’—is’ more than a slogan. It is our blueprint for national transformation, one young mind at a time.

“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, there’s a role for you in this transformation.

“Let history record that on this day, in this place where dreams once took root, we planted a forest of opportunity for thousands to follow.”

Fatima Bago, the first lady of Niger state, was the special guest of honour while Umar Faruk Bahago, emir of Minna, was the father of the day.

The Niger state’s first lady commended Halima for “continuing her mother’s journey of compassion and empowerment”.

She said the event reminded her about the “enduring legacy of one of Niger state’s finest daughters, Maryam Babangida”.

“Maryam Babangida was not just a mother to her children; she was a mother to the entire nation, a visionary who worked tirelessly to uplift rural women and families,” she said.