The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has named the main auditorium of Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development after Maryam Abacha, the wife of former military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha.
The hall, formerly known as African Peace Mission Hall, was on Saturday unveiled by Tinubu’s wife and renamed after Maryam in recognition of her strong advocacy for peace across the African continent.
In her speech, Oluremi said the occasion was a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts toward strengthening connections that would solidify progress and unity among women.
She described Abacha’s wife as a woman of remarkable character whose advocacy led to the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with a woman appointed as a cabinet minister.
Remi Tinubu also emphasised the need for women to bridge gaps, exhibit exemplary conduct and focus beyond their differences.
She said, “Her advocacy led to the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with a woman appointed as cabinet minister.
“This feat was replicated in various states, which expanded the visibility of Nigerian women.
“Recently, during the renaming of this centre, I emphasised the need for women to bridge gaps, exhibit exemplary conduct and focus beyond our differences as the unity among us is more important.
“This event is significant as it forms a major step toward establishing a lasting legacy of peace within our nation.
“In our journey toward harmony and prosperity, it is essential we recognise and pay tribute to those individuals who played pivotal roles in advancing peace and stability.”
In her remarks, Maryam Abacha expressed appreciation to Remi for finding her worthy of such honour and advised that all women should be encouraged to become useful and relevant for national development.
She said, “I want to plead with you all that no woman should be left behind in responsibilities. I am glad that I am party to the establishment of this centre and I thank the First Lady and the center for finding me worthy to put my name in the edifice like this”.
“I will get some of our interviews and activities together in documents for history and to encourage you to become better than us because during our time, most of us were not graduates. We tried our best and left the rest but now we have those who are well educated and enlightened who will take Nigerians to the best of places for women.”
