By Palma Ileye
Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, MBNCWD, has named its ICT Block after the Late Chief Abibat Mogaji, to honour her dedication to the development of Nigerian women.
Speaking at the event held at the ICT Block of MBNCWD in Abuja, the First Lady and wife of President of Nigeria, Sen. Remi Tinubu who was represented by the Nana Shettima, wife of Nigeria’s Vice President said that the Late Abibat Mogaji was a beacon of hope for countless Nigerian women.
She commended the Director-General of the Center for choosing to honour the legacy of the the great icon that supported women development and inclusion in the country.
“Today we celebrate a community mobiliser, dedicated humanitarian whose legacy is an embodiment of hardwork, diligence, resilience and leadership.
“As we honour her memory by naming the ICT Block after her, we pay tribute to her contributions and we recognize the vital roles that technology plays in transforming lives,” she stated.
She further stated that in a rapidly evolving world, digital skills has become essential for economic empowerment and social progress and this block will serve as a beacon of hope, resilience and opportunity, encouraging young minds to dream, to innovate and to lead adding that every young person, every woman or girl, including those with disabilities, who receive an education here, does so in the footsteps of a visionary who championed equality, empowerment.
Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaam Suleiman-Ibrahim said that women celebrating women and recognizing their own was key to achieving sustainable women’s empowerment across board.
Suleiman-Ibrahim said that the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, the only parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs which has continued to run with it’s mandate to train, research, document, and advocate for issues and concerns of women and children across Nigeria.
She extolled the the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, whose support and dedication to advancing the welfare of women and children has been invaluable to our Ministry.
The Minister noted that she has been a true champion for Women’s rights and empowerment, embodying the same values of resilience, compassion and leadership that Alhaja Abibat Mogaji represented adding that she has become a beacon of hope for countless Nigerian women inspiring them to realize their potential and achieve their dreams.
“We are gathered here to celebrate and honor the remarkable values of gender inclusion, women empowerment, and humanitarian services rendered by a resilient matriarch, mother, and an amazon, the Late Chief Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, who served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of her unwavering commitment to the upliftment of women, and the extraordinary efforts in creating a more compassionate society; where no one is left behind.
“As we commemorate our mother today, let her life’s work, remind us of the importance of community service, compassion and empowerment. Let her name continue to inspire all who pass through these doors to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions to society.
“As we unveil the new name of the ICT block, let it be a symbol of our pledge to strive harder for the rights of women, to honor their contributions to our country and to build a society where every woman and child can fulfil their potential with dignity and pride,” she said.
In the same vein, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, the Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, MBNCWD, said that the naming of the ICT Block was to honour and celebrate the memories of an amzon, a prominent leader, a great women mobilizer and an advocate for women’s economic empowerment.
“On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, I want to specially welcome my dynamic Minister for Women Affairs, to the Centre for the first time,” she said.
Bashir noted that it was gratifying to celebrate Nigerian Women who have changed the narratives in nation building saying that, “As you may be aware the facilities in the Centre are named after great Nigerian Women. On the 15th August 2023 we were all here to celebrate the naming of the Iconic Auditorium after Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Mariam Abacha, Former First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In this regards the Banquet Hall and adjourning committee rooms have also been named after great women that have contributed to National Development. It is in this regards that we are here again to honour a legend of our time in the person of Late Alhaja Abibat Mogagi.
“Mama Abibat Mogaji was indeed a prominent leader in Nigeria, particularly among market women. She was the first President General, Nigeria Market Women and Men Association.”
She said that under the Late icon’s leadership, the association grew in influence and became a vital part of Nigeria’s informal economy as she fought for the rights and interests of market women, advocating for better working conditions, access to credit, and social welfare.
The DG also noted that she promoted entrepreneurship among market women, supporting small-scale businesses and trading activities.