Responding to an article titled 'Maryam Abacha: A Mixture of a Mother and a Motherlode,' Prof. Mukhtar Imam penned the f...
Responding to an article titled 'Maryam Abacha: A Mixture of a Mother and a Motherlode,' Prof. Mukhtar Imam penned the following opinion.
Couldn't agree more with the above submission.
Indeed, as one reflects on the towering legacy of Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Maryam Abacha, it becomes ever more evident that Nigeria was blessed with a woman whose essence transcends the ordinary—a matriarch of honor, a luminary of compassion, and a divine gift wrapped in dignity and grace. In Maryam Abacha, God has given Nigeria not just a First Lady, but a First Mother of the Nation—an enduring symbol of womanhood at its finest, of leadership with tenderness, and of strength softened by a heart brimming with empathy.
She is not just the consort of a Head of State; she is a head and heart of vision herself. In times when many in such positions saw ceremonial duties as the limit of their role, Innah saw an opportunity—an opportunity to heal, to build, to nurture, and to empower.
And she did all these with quiet resolve, steely wisdom, and a motherly warmth that could melt even the coldest of circumstances.
Her life’s work is a testament to the philosophy that true greatness lies in service to others. The Family Support Programme and Family Economic Advancement Programme were not mere policy initiatives; they were lifelines for the marginalized, the forgotten, and the voiceless. In them, she embedded the values of dignity, economic inclusion, and societal balance.
The creation of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under her guidance was a generational achievement that continues to shape national policy and uplift countless women and children. That is not just legacy—that is nation-building in its truest, most human form.
Her appointment as Vice President of the historic Beijing Conference and as Chairperson of the African First Ladies Peace Mission did not just reflect her status, but affirmed her capacity. Her words echoed beyond the conference walls; they stirred the conscience of a continent, calling women to rise, not just as nurturers of the home, but as architects of peace and prosperity.
It was under her visionary initiative that the National Hospital Abuja came into being—a sanctuary of health and hope for women and children, standing today as a monument to her love for Nigerian families.
But beyond her policies, what sets Her Excellency apart is her humility and resilience. Despite the trials of time, she has remained a symbol of poise, grace, and deep spirituality. Her smile radiates motherly reassurance; her voice carries the weight of wisdom, and her presence commands both reverence and calm.
Mother Maryam Abacha is more than history—she is heritage. More than elegance—she is essence. More than a woman—she is a wonder, wrapped in compassion, cloaked in strength, and crowned with unwavering dignity.
May history forever honor her name. And may generations to come continue to draw strength and inspiration from the life, legacy, and love of a true matron of our time—Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Maryam Abacha.
Your Son, Prof. Mukhtar Imam
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