By Patrick Ochei
The Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili PhD, has immortalized the late former First Lady of Nigeria, Maryam Ndidi Babangida by christening the newly built modern Legislative Complex in her name.
This gesture delighted Asaba people, including women from all walks of life who saw the initiative as worthwhile giving the exemplary leadership and impactful life of the iconic former First Lady of Nigeria under the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida regime.
The one in town Legislative Building was commissioned on Wednesday, 12th April, 2023, by His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State in an elaborate ceremony at the Oshimili South Council Secretariat.
The Governor had before cutting the official tape to unveil the Complex, said that he was exceptionally pleased with the initiative of the performing Chairman who has thought it wise, not only to distinguish himself on the basis of Legislative activities at the Local Government level by building such a magnificently modernised Legislative Complex, but to also name the building after an enigma in the person of Maryam Babangida.
Okowa said the Complex would compete with the Delta State House of Assembly Complex by its standard and state of the art facilities in it, thereby assuming that should there be a renovation project at the State Assembly Complex, Oshimili South Legislative Arm Complex could serve for an alternative use.
Aside commending the Chairman for the magnificent edifice, the Governor also made references to the numerous achievements of the young and dynamic Chairman since taking over the leadership of the Council Area that houses the State Capital.
While foreseeing areas of more collaborations in terms of infrastructures and social amenities in addition to the numerous ones within the State Capital, the Governor advised the Council to strengthen effort and partnership with the PSP operators to keep the State Capital constantly clean.
In his speech, the Chairman, Hon. Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, said the completion and commissioning of the Legislative Building for the Legislative Arm of the Local Government was a dream come through.
He affirmed that the project was conceived and executed as a project of Oshimili South Local Government Area to provide a conducive working environment for the Councillors with a view to improving their performance and enhancing the Council’s overall quality of governance as the ultimate objective towards the development of Oshimili South and the wellbeing of the people of the area.
On why the Legislative Building was named after the illustrious daughter of Ahaba, Maryam Babangida, he said, “Maryam Babangida was born into the humble family of Ogbueshi Leonard Okogwu in Umu-Elibujor village in Umuonaje, one of the five traditional quarters of Asaba.
“The quintessential First Lady of Nigeria who is generally acknowledged as the pioneer champion of the development and empowerment of women in Nigeria, Maryam Babangida first exhibited her leadership capability and quality in 1984 when she served as the National President of Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association. She made a remarkable use of that office, to improve the quality of living in barracks. Among the several projects undertaken during her tenure, she led the Association to carry out Enlightenment programmes in Health and Adult Literacy, as well as established pre-schools and women’s multi-purpose training centres.
“It was however during her time as First Lady of the Nation that Maryam Babangida showed the true import and measure of her greatness as well as her genius drive, passion and an uncommon commitment towards National development.
“Maryam Babangida became Nigeria’s First Lady on August 27, 1993. She had raised the bar of the position of First Lady so high, turning it from a hitherto passive, ineffectual, ceremonial and even obscure role into a platform for active and effective mobilization of citizens and promotion of Nation-building and development.
“Her ‘Better Life Programme for the Rural Women’ became the most comprehensive attempt in the history of Nigeria to specifically mobilize and sensitize rural women for national development. It was widely applauded for helping to bring the plight of rural women to the fore front of public concern”, he narrated.
Speaking further on the choice of Governor Okowa for the commissioning, the Chairman affirmed that “We are happy, excited and proud that the commissioning of the Legislative Building of Oshimili South, named after Maryam Babangida, would be performed by our Governor, Dr. Okowa, a man who has done a lot to promote the advancement and development of women.
“If Maryam Babangida pioneered the course of women in Nigeria, it is right to say that Governor Okowa is the Modern Champion for the empowerment of Women and Girls and the advancement of their rights in Delta State.
“Among several interventions initiated by Governor Okowa’s administration to uplift Women and Girls include project GEST for the empowerment of female youth of 18 to 30 years, the financial assistance project for widows, the empowerment programme for unemployed adult women, YAGEP and STEP projects of the Job and Wealth Creation, and the empowerment project for Rural Women.
“It is therefore a fitting tribute to Governor Okowa’s outstanding contribution and commitment towards the empowerment of Women and Girls in our society, that he will perform the commissioning of Maryam Babangida Building”, Ezenyili submitted.
It was indeed an edifice of class, standard and beauty when the Governor officially unveiled it for Legislative use.
A guided tour was done and it was marvelling to see the state-of-the-art chamber, Councillors offices and staff offices, all attesting to the fact that the Executive Chairman had done noble.
This project no doubt, will definitely register in the performance of the Councillors given the contemporary era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), thereby justifying the enormous financial resources mobilized into it.
