Nnamdi Iwuchukwu. Head, Press and Public Relations Unit. November 2024

In a landmark ceremony that holds both pride and deep significance, the Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Honourable Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir today at the Centre welcomed the Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu as she unveiled the named ICT Block in honour of the icon, late Chief Abibat Mogaji, OON, MFR, the beloved mother of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This lasting tribute in her honour symbolizes progress, education, and opportunity for women in Nigeria.
In her welcome address as the host, the Director-General said that Mama Abibat Mogaji was indeed a prominent leader in Nigeria, particularly among the market women. According to her, ‘’Mama fought for the rights and interest of the market women, advocating for better working conditions, access to credits and social welfare. She promoted entrepreneurship among market women, supporting small-scale businesses and trading activities, she asserted.’’ Eulogizing the late iconic woman, Mama Mogaji, Dr. Bashir stated that with her activities as a politician, having served as a councillor in her ward, the late chief Abibat Mogaji produced an astute politician, our dear father of the nation, His excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCON) President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reiterating the spirit of leaving no one behind, the MBNCWD Boss stated that naming the ICT block after the late icon was a way of paying tribute to her enduring impact and to reaffirm our belief in empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
According to her, ‘’As we dedicate the ICT Block in her name, we are reminded of our responsibility in upholding her noble legacy. Let it be a constant reminder of the need for us all to be strategic and be inclusive in ensuring no one is left behind in our programs, projects, and plans, she stated.’’
In her address, H.E, distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu OON, CON the first lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria commended and thanked the Director-General for finding it worthy to dedicate and name the ICT block in honour of the late icon, Chief Abibat Mogaji for her outstanding contribution in the uplifting of the market women in Nigeria. Hajia Nana Shettima, the vice president's wife, ably represented the First Lady.
According to her, she explained that the late icon was a great community mobilizer whose legacies embodied hard work, diligent, resilient and leadership in mobilizing women at the grassroots. As the first female president of market women, she created a platform where women come together, share their experiences with one another and ensure that their voices are amplified.
In her words, ‘’as we honour her with the naming of the ICT, we pay tribute to her by recognizing the vital role of ICT in transforming the lives of Nigerian women. Access to ICT is no more luxury but necessity, investing in ICT is investing in the future of our women and girls in Nigeria, she assured.’’
In her address, the minister of women affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, FSI said that as we have gathered here to celebrate and honour the remarkable values of gender inclusion, women empowerment, and humanitarian services rendered by a resilient matriarch, mother and amazon, the late chief Alhaji Abibat Mogaji. According to her, ‘’It will serve 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’’, she assured.
The highlights of the events were the unveiling of the ICT block in honour of the late icon, Chief Abibat Mogaji by the representative of the First Lady, Hajia Nana Shettima followed by a group photograph.