As reported by Punch, former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has revealed insights about his marriage to his late wife, Maryam, including her conversion to Islam, in his new autobiography titled *A Journey in Service*.
The book was launched on Thursday during a fundraiser for his presidential library and provides a look into their love story, spanning from their early days in Kaduna to their married life.
Babangida reminisced about meeting Maryam, who was originally named Maria Okogwu, during their youth when they both resided in the unmarried officers’ quarters on Kanta Road in Kaduna.
He was captivated by her beauty, describing her as “stunning” with a charming smile.
Despite his military training abroad in India and the UK, their bond remained strong, and he often visited her at the home of his close friend and cousin, Garba Duba.
At 28, after surviving a close call in battle, Babangida decided it was time to settle down. While recovering from a chest injury at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, he reflected on his relationships and realized he wanted to marry Maryam.
He mentioned, “Before leaving the hospital, I had already chosen Maria as the woman I wanted to marry. As soon as I was discharged, I headed straight to Kaduna, where she lived with her mother and uncle. I was excited to tell her the news, as I truly believed we were destined to be together. I admired her serene demeanor and excellent upbringing.”
He went on, “I was resolute in making my intentions clear and wouldn’t accept rejection. Fortunately, luck was on my side. At first, Maria was doubtful about me as a potential husband. She was aware of my reputation as a socialite, which didn’t align with what she wanted in a partner. She questioned my sincerity, and many others voiced similar concerns to her.”
Babangida also revealed that his faith played a significant role in his life, and he required Maryam to convert to Islam before they married.
He explained that this was not a difficult decision for her, as she had both Christian and Muslim family influences.
He said, “I explained to her that my faith was at the core of my life, and I needed her to accept Islam. Thankfully, this wasn’t a difficult decision for Maria. Coming from a family with both Christian and Muslim connections, and already living in a Muslim household, it was something she was familiar with.”
Babangida promised her that he would not marry multiple wives, as he thought this would help reinforce their marriage.
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