The First Lady of the country, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says more than N20 billion has been mobilized for the completion of the National Library project in Abuja.
Speaking to reporters at the State House, Mrs. Tinubu recalled her time as a member of the Senate Committee on Education, noting that the ministry had struggled to complete the library project, which has been stalled since the era of President Shehu Shagari.
She said libraries shaped her growing years and expressed disappointment that Nigeria’s National Library has remained unfinished for decades.
Earlier in September, Mrs. Tinubu, who turned 65 on the 21st, had asked friends and well-wishers to channel birthday gifts into contributions for the project instead of sending her presents or hosting her to a lavish celebration.
She explained in a video message that she was dedicating her milestone birthday to God and to a cause she has long considered dear.
The fundraising, tagged the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” is being managed by the Federal Ministry of Education. According to the First Lady, seeing the long-abandoned National Library completed would be the best birthday gift she could receive.
Responding to critics of her initiative, the First Lady urged citizens to adopt the spirit of service once emphasized by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: not to ask what the nation can do for them, but what they can do for the nation.
Recall, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had condemned the First Lady’s move, accusing the government of preferring to spend on luxuries like private jets.
She disclosed that donations have already surpassed N20 billion, with more contributions still coming in.
