Maryam Babangida

Maryam Babangida
First Lady of Nigeria
In role
August 27, 1985 – August 26, 1993
PresidentIbrahim Babangida
Preceded bySafinatu Buhari
Succeeded byMargaret Shonekan
Personal details
BornMaria Ndidi Okogwu
(1948-11-01)November 1, 1948
Asaba, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria)
DiedDecember 27, 2009(2009-12-27) (aged 61)
Spouse
(m. 1969)
ChildrenMohammed, Aminu, Aisha, Halima
Alma materLa Salle Extension University (Chicago, Illinois, U.S.) (Diploma)
NCR Institute in Lagos (Certificate in Computer Science)
ProfessionActivist
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Maryam Babangida, born Maria Ndidi Okogwu, (November 1, 1948 – December 27, 2009) was the wife of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who was Nigeria's head of state from 1985 to 1993. Her husband was the target of criticism for rampant corruption during his regime. She was credited with creating the position of First Lady of Nigeria.

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.