The people of Asaba, Delta, on Thursday, planted 76 trees along Maryam Babangida Way in the state capital as part of a one-week programme to commemorate the posthumous birthday of one of their iconic, illustrious daughters and foremost first lady in the country, late Maryam Babangida.
The day which was started last year is marked to remember the former first lady’s outstanding contributions towards the development and empowerment of Nigerian women as well as bringing women and their plight to the center stage of national discourse and policy-making.
Part of the program also includes a seminar under the theme Giving Impetus To Women In Governance and Enterprise and two exhibitions on the life and times of the former wife to military president General Ibrahim Babangida featuring her trips, pictures of her entrepreneurship engagements with rural women across the country and the other on products and goods produced by National Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE).
Speaking at a press conference at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, the Iyase of the kingdom, Chief Patrick Isioma Onyeobi said the tree planting exercise was to draw attention of the public on the vital need to renew individual and collective commitment to the fight against climate change.
According to him, under the Better Life Program for Rural Women of Maryam Babangida, agriculture, health, and educational projects designed to empower women and enhance their well-being were initiated and implemented.
“Women under the program were also supported to acquire skills and techniques to improve their income-earning capabilities and livelihood.
“In addition, the program helped women to develop attitudes and values which are usefull to sustain and promote self reliance and national development.”
The Iyase noted that the establishment of National Commission for Women owed much to the relentless, tireless and determined efforts of Maryam Babangida during her time as the first lady.
He recalled the passion and dream of the lady even after she left office and settled in Minna, Niger state by setting up educational and small-scale business enterprises to empower women and facilitated the establishment of several women cooperative societies which she mentored and supported to grow.
Chairperson of the planning committee of the celebration and member representing Oshimili South in the state house of assembly Hon. (Barr.) Bridget Anyafulu described the late first lady as an epitome of womanhood who stood for a better world and the most vulnerable especially those in rural in rural areas.
According to her, the little she did has been recognised by Committee of Nations adding that Maryam Babangida will always be remembered for her good works.
. TheWitness
