In a significant ceremony presided over by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Women Development Center has been formally renamed as the ‘Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development.
This decision was a tribute to the late former First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially at the grassroots level, through her acclaimed program, “Better Life for Rural Dwellers.”
The event held special meaning for Mrs. Tinubu, who had been present during the passage and signing of the Bill for the renaming by the 9th National Assembly. Now, in her role as First Lady, she took part in this historic act of renaming the center, paying homage to the late Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam
Babangida for her iconic role in promoting women’s participation in national development through the National Center for Women Development (NCWD).
During her address, Senator Tinubu praised the Director General of the Center, Hajia Asabe Bashir Vilita, and her management staff for their initiative in advocating for the renaming. She also acknowledged the vital contributions of female National Assembly members who championed the legislative effort to bring about this name change.
The Babangida Family representatives, Mohammed Babangida, and his brother, Aminu Babangida, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for bestowing this esteemed honor upon their late mother. They extended their appreciation to all the women who played a role in making the center’s renaming a reality.
As part of the ceremony, a portrait of Senator Tinubu was unveiled at the Hall of Fame, commemorating her previous induction into the Hall of Fame in 2019 as the first female legislator to have been elected into the Senate for three consecutive terms.
The event saw the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and wives of State Governors, among others.
