The Federal Government has paid tribute to the late Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, by naming the ICT block at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD) in Abuja after her.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by dignitaries and key figures in the women’s empowerment sector.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who officiated at the unveiling, described Mogaji as a “resilient matriarch” and a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment.
In her address, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised the late Mogaji’s significant contributions to gender inclusion and the upliftment of women in Nigeria.
“She served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of her unwavering commitment to the upliftment of women,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
“We are gathered here to celebrate and honour the remarkable values of gender inclusion, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian services rendered by a resilient matriarch, mother, and an Amazon, the Late Chief Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.”
The minister went on to highlight how Mogaji’s efforts embodied the values of compassion, inclusivity, and social justice, saying that the renaming of the ICT block was a symbol of the government’s pledge to continue fighting for women’s rights and creating a more equitable society.
“Let this 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,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, also addressed the gathering.
She emphasised the crucial role of technology in transforming women’s lives, noting that access to information and communication technology (ICT) is now a fundamental need, not a luxury.
“Access to information and communication technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” the First Lady said.
Her remarks underscored the importance of bridging the digital divide for women and providing them with the tools needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Dr. Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General of the MBNCWD, praised Mogaji for her advocacy for women’s economic empowerment and grassroots development.
“Let this ICT block be a constant reminder of the need for inclusivity in our programmes and plans,” Vilita-Bashir said, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for women at all levels.
The ceremony also saw a speech by Mrs. Felicia Sani, President of the Nigeria Market Women Association, who hailed Mogaji as a powerful mobilizer and advocate for women’s economic independence.
Sani called on the government to establish international markets nationwide, which would help empower women and generate revenue for the country.
The renaming of the ICT block at the MBNCWD serves as a lasting tribute to Abibat Mogaji’s legacy and her tireless work in advocating for the rights and welfare of women. It also aligns with the ongoing efforts to increase women’s participation in technology and economic development in Nigeria.
