IBB Reveals How He Met, Married, and Converted Maryam Babangida to Islam in New Autobiography

In his newly released autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service,’ former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) offers an intimate look into his relationship with his late wife, Maryam. The memoir, launched on Thursday alongside a fundraiser for his presidential library, delves into their early encounters and enduring bond.

Babangida recounts meeting Maryam, then known as Maria Okogwu, during their youth in Kaduna. Both resided in the unmarried officers’ quarters on Kanta Road, where their friendship began. Despite his military training abroad in countries like India and the United Kingdom, their connection remained strong. He frequently visited her at the home of his close friend and cousin, Garba Duba, whose father held him in high regard. This familial tie provided Babangida with opportunities to spend more time with Maryam, deepening their relationship.

A pivotal moment in Babangida’s life was a near-fatal incident at the age of 28, where he sustained a chest injury from shrapnel during battle. While recuperating at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, he felt a pressing need to settle down. As his parents’ only surviving son, he recognized the importance of starting a family to continue his lineage. Reflecting on his relationships, Maria consistently came to mind, leading him to decide she was the one he wished to marry.

Upon his recovery, Babangida traveled to Kaduna to express his intentions to Maryam. He admired her reserved nature and upbringing. However, Maryam was initially skeptical, aware of his reputation as a socialite and questioning his seriousness. With support from Muhammadu King, Garba Duba’s father, Babangida eventually won her over.

Given his deep-rooted Islamic faith, Babangida discussed the significance of religion in his life with Maryam, requesting her conversion from Christianity to Islam. Maryam, having been raised in a household with both Christian and Muslim influences, embraced the transition with relative ease. Babangida also assured her of his commitment to monogamy, having observed the challenges polygamy posed in other families.

The couple married on September 6, 1969, and had four children: Aisha, Muhammad, Aminu, and Halima. Maryam Babangida passed away from ovarian cancer on December 27, 2009, at the age of 61. Reflecting on their life together, Babangida acknowledges the profound impact she had on his life and the enduring memories they created.