A peep into occupants of Office of Nigeria's First Lady from inception

The concept of the role of First Lady in Nigeria can be traced to the country’s independence in 1960.

On the list of first ladies from 1960 till date are: Flora Azikiwe, the wife of Nigeria’s first president, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. She is often regarded as Nigeria’s first First Lady.



She was succeeded by Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi in 1966. Over the years, subsequent first ladies have embraced their roles to varying levels, undertaking initiatives and projects aimed at addressing social issues and promoting national development.



Other first ladies are: Victoria Gowon, wife of former military head of state, Yakubu Gowon. She was First Lady from 1966 to 1975;



Ajoke Mohammed, wife of General Murtala Mohammed (1975 to 1976).



Esther Oluremi Obasanjo, wife of then military head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976 to 1979); Hadiza Shagari, wife of former President Shehu Shagari, who came to office in 1979. Safinatu Buhari was First Lady in 1983 as wife of the then military head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari; Maryam Babangida, wife of military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, from 1985 to 1993.

Margaret Shonekan became First Lady in 1993 when her husband, Ernest Shonekan, became the head of an Interim National Government.

Maryam Abacha was First Lady from 1993 to 1998 when General Sani Abacha took over government. In 1998, Fati Lami Abubakar occupied the position of First Lady while her husband Abdulsalami Abubakar was president.

Also, Stella Obasanjo was First Lady from 1999 to 2005 as wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while Turai Yar’adua, wife of former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, took over from 2007 to 2010.

Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan occupied that office from 2010 to 2015, while Aisha Buhari, the wife of the out-going President, Muhammadu Buhari, has been Nigeria’s First Lady from 2015 till date.

Activities of some past first ladies

Maryam Babangida



As the wife of former President Ibrahim Babangida, Maryam played a key role in promoting women’s rights and empowerment.

She championed initiatives such as “Better Life for Rural Women” in 1987, which aimed to improve the socio-economic conditions of rural women through skills acquisition, education and health care. Her efforts had a far-reaching impact, addressing women’s needs and empowering them across Nigeria.

She organised the National Women’s Conference in 1993, which brought women from diverse backgrounds and regions in Nigeria together.

Through the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation, Mrs Babangida actively campaigned against female genital mutilation in Nigeria.

On the wellbeing of women, she launched several health campaigns, including the Breast Cancer Awareness Programme and Child Survival and Development.

Maryam Abacha



The main objective of the FSP was to improve the standard of living of Nigerians through the family unit on health, education, agriculture, income generation, disability and destitution. Other areas of interest included issues affecting children and widows and national peace. And for proper documentation and accountability, Mrs Ababcha affiliated the FSP to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Social Development.

The FSTF, which was launched in 1994, on its part, was instrumental in the construction of the National Women and Children Hospital, Abuja which is today known as the National Hospital, Abuja.

She raised the idea of the National Hospital for Women and Children (NHWC) and later saw to its establishment. The institution is today known as National Hospital, Abuja.

She also She founded the Poverty Alleviation Program, which millions benefited.

Also, in her quest for peace on African soil, she galvanised African First Ladies promoting the Peace Mission. She also promoted some programmes including Poverty Alleviation Programme, National Programme on Immunisation, the Family Support Programme, Family Support Basic Education Programme and Family Economic Advancement Programme.

Stella Obasanjo



During her time as First Lady, Mrs Obasanjo focused on children’s welfare, among other social issues. She established the Child Care Trust, providing scholarships and educational support to children in need.

She committed to improving children’s access to quality education and health care, which had impact on vulnerable children across the country.

Turai Yar’adua



She is known for her Maternal and Child Health Initiative” (MCHI), which was launched in 2008. This initiative aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria by improving health care services and infrastructure.

She actively participated in the fight against HIV/AIDS while collaborating with local and international organisations to raise awareness about its prevention and control, promote voluntary testing, and support treatment programs.

The “Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation” (WAYEF) was part of initiatives to support education by providing scholarships, educational support and skills training opportunities to disadvantaged children and youths.

Patience Jonathan



Patience Jonathan championed various causes during her tenure as First Lady. She launched the Aruera Reachout Foundation, which focused on health care interventions, particularly in areas of maternal and child health. Her foundation provided medical assistance, educational support and empowerment programmes benefitting numerous Nigerians, especially in underserved communities.

Aisha Buhari



Aisha Buhari has been actively engaged in initiatives promoting women’s empowerment, health care, education and advocacy for good governance. She launched the “Future Assured” programme, which addresses health challenges, women and youth empowerment and education. Her efforts have generated significant awareness and impacted the lives of many Nigerians.

Although projects and initiatives of various first ladies are believed to have impacted on women and children, they have been short-lived with many tagging it “First Ladies’ projects of waste.”

Commenting on the durability of projects of first ladies, Professor Hauwa Evelyn Yusuf said, “Because it is unconstitutional, every First Lady wants to do her own thing. For a project to last, it has to touch the lives of Nigerians and should be self-sustaining. As long as the project is not built on a sustainable pathway, it is as good as dead and gone.”

She, however, said the only project that had outlived its author was Better Life for Rural Women because it had and still has a direct impact on women.



FI