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Maryam Abacha From Royal Roots to National Influence

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Maryam Sani Abacha born Maryam Jiddah on 4 March 1947 in Kaduna in northern Nigeria is a woman whose life combines royal heritage public service and enduring influence. She was born into a distinguished Kanuri family. Her father Alhaji Sheikh Mahammad Jidah and her mother Hajiya Ya Gumsu Nasara traced their ancestry to the Borno Emirate giving Maryam a lineage rooted in tradition and leadership.

Her early education laid the foundation for a lifetime of public engagement. She attended Tudun Wada Primary School in Kaduna and U N A Sabon Gari Primary School in Zaria before continuing at Dala Girls Secondary School in Kano. As a student she excelled in sports especially table tennis and participated in activities such as the Brownies and the Girl Guide movement. These experiences helped develop the leadership qualities that later defined her public life.

In December 1965 Maryam married Sani Abacha a young lieutenant in the Nigerian Army who would rise to become the country’s military Head of State. Together they raised seven sons and three daughters.

Throughout her husband’s career Maryam maintained a close family life while steadily growing into a figure of national prominence.

When General Sani Abacha assumed power on 17 November 1993 Maryam became Nigeria’s First Lady and used the position to champion programmes that improved the lives of women children and vulnerable groups. She founded the Family Support Programme in 1994 an initiative that addressed health education agriculture and the welfare of the disabled and destitute.

Three years later she introduced the Family Economic Advancement Programme to help families establish small businesses and cottage industries. Her influence extended beyond Nigeria when she represented the country at the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women where she advocated for greater opportunities for women.

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Maryam Abacha’s commitment to social development began even before she became First Lady. From 1985 to 1990 she led the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association promoting education and economic activities for officers families and other women. Her work in these roles helped shape a national conversation about the economic empowerment of women and the need to strengthen family support structures.

One of her lasting legacies is the creation of the National Hospital in Abuja originally conceived as the National Hospital for Women and Children. This institution remains a landmark in Nigeria’s healthcare system and reflects her vision of accessible medical care. Her programmes and initiatives influenced government policies on social welfare health and women’s affairs. In recognition of her work Maryam Abacha received numerous awards and honorary degrees from Nigerian and international institutions.

Maryam Abacha continues to attract public interest long after the sudden death of her husband in 1998.

She has occasionally spoken publicly about his administration and defended his record including in a 2025 Nigerian Tribune interview in which she challenged allegations of large scale financial mismanagement. Beyond these controversies her name endures in institutions such as the Maryam Abacha American University of Niger which reflects her lifelong association with education and social development.

From her royal Kanuri roots to her role as First Lady and her continued engagement in national affairs Maryam Abacha’s life tells the story of a woman who combined traditional heritage with a commitment to public service. Her influence on women’s empowerment healthcare and family welfare remains a significant part of Nigeria’s modern history.

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Sources
Nigerian Tribune Maryam Abacha speaks on her husband’s alleged loot June 2025

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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