Maryam Babangida | |
|---|---|
 | |
| First Lady of Nigeria | |
| In role 27 August 1985 – 26 August 1993 | |
| President | Ibrahim Babangida |
| Preceded by | Safinatu Buhari |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Shonekan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Maria Ndidi Okogwu 1 November 1948 Asaba, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 27 December 2009 (aged 61) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Mohammed, Aminu, Aisha, Halima |
| Alma mater | La Salle Extension University (Chicago, Illinois, U.S.) (Diploma) NCR Institute in Lagos (Certificate in Computer Science) |
| Profession | Activist |
Maryam Babangida (1 November 1948 – 27 December 2009) was the wife of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who was Nigeria's head of state from 1985 to 1993.[1] Her husband was the target of criticism for rampant corruption during his regime.[2] She was credited with creating the position of First Lady of Nigeria.[1]
As first lady, she launched many programmes to improve the life of women. The "Maryam Phenomenon" became a celebrity and "an icon of beauty, fashion and style", a position she retained after her husband's exit from power.[1][3]
- ^ a b c Ademola Babalola (December 28, 2009). "Maryam's life and times of beauty, glamour and…cancer". The Punch. Archived from the original on December 29, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2009.
- ^ "Shamed By Their Nation", Time Magazine, 6 September 1993
- ^ "Maryam Babangida". Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation. Archived from the original on November 19, 2009. Retrieved November 22, 2009.