Maryam Abacha

**Maryam Abacha: Nigerian Ex-First Lady and Humanitarian** Maryam Abacha (née Maryam Jidda) is a Nigerian public figure who served as the First Lady of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, during the military rule of her husband, General Sani Abacha. She is recognized for her political prominence during this era and her philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives, which continued after her husband’s death. **Early Life and Education** Maryam Jidda was born on March 4, 1947, in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. Details regarding her early life and formal education are relatively private. She met Sani Abacha, then a military officer, early in her life, and they were married in 1965. As the wife of a rising figure in the Nigerian military, she became accustomed to public life and the responsibilities associated with her status. **Career and Role as First Lady** Prior to becoming the First Lady, Maryam Abacha was an active figure in the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA), a charitable organization. Her "career progression" culminated in her assuming the role of First Lady in November 1993, following her husband’s coup d'état. In this capacity, she focused primarily on social welfare and women’s empowerment. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Maryam Abacha is best known for establishing the **Family Support Programme (FSP)** in 1994. The FSP was a national initiative aimed at improving the health, economic welfare, education, and social status of Nigerian families, particularly women and children in rural areas. The program initiated projects such as schools, hospitals, and vocational training centers across the country. She also founded the **National Hospital for Women and Children** in Abuja (now known as the National Hospital Abuja). This hospital was established to provide specialized medical care and research focusing on maternal and pediatric health. Furthermore, she was a strong advocate for the ratification of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, emphasizing the importance of women's rights and participation in development. **Current Status** Following the death of General Sani Abacha in June 1998, Maryam Abacha retreated from active public political life but has remained involved in her philanthropic endeavors and family affairs. She is a maternal figure for a large family and is currently based in Nigeria, primarily associated with Kano. Her legacy is often complexly viewed, reflecting both the humanitarian projects she championed and the controversial political period during which she was the First Lady.