El-Amin University Celebrates Late Maryam Babangida and Donates Food to Leprosarium in Niger
El-Amin University in Minna, Niger State, recently donated bags of rice and cartons of noodles to leprosy patients as part of the activities commemorating the institution’s Founder’s Day.
The university was established by the late former First Lady of Nigeria, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
During the presentation of the items on behalf of the university, Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Emmanuel Zwanbin spoke about the late first lady’s dedication as a caregiver and her compassion for less privileged women.
“We are here at the leprosy center to honor the memory of our late mother, Hajiya Maryam Babangida, and to celebrate the day we established our university in her memory. She dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts, and our visit to the leprosarium represents her legacy.
“In 1990, she visited this leprosy center, and there has not been another visit like that until today. We intend to continue this tradition to remember her and to support those affected by leprosy, who often face neglect and stigma.
The leprosy patients need not only physical support, such as clothing and food but also mental and emotional assistance as well as housing.
“El-Amin University aims to champion this cause by advocating for the needs of leprosy patients and partnering with The Leprosy Mission Nigeria for social and scientific research to improve their welfare.
We also want to create awareness about leprosy so that those affected can receive early treatment to prevent deformities and to enable them to receive proper care,” he explained.
Dr. Zwanbin also announced that special prayers for the late first lady would be held at the Minna Central Mosque and the Cathedral of the Anglican Church, Kateren-Gwari, Minna.
He mentioned that a memorial lecture detailing the life and contributions of the former first lady is scheduled for November 23, 2024, at the auditorium of El-Amin University in Minna.
Receiving the donation, Habila Daniel Diko, Community Relations Officer for The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, expressed gratitude to El-Amin University for their generosity.
He pointed out that leprosy victims are among the most stigmatized individuals living with disabilities. Diko noted that there are several leprosy communities throughout Niger State and emphasized the urgent need for sensitization efforts to combat the growing stigma faced by these individuals.
He also highlighted the importance of mass awareness campaigns regarding leprosy to reduce discrimination and stigmatization against those affected by the disease.
