Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced that more than ₦20 billion has been raised to complete the long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.
Instead of hosting an elaborate celebration for her 65th birthday on September 21, Mrs Tinubu asked friends and well-wishers to convert their gifts and greetings into contributions for the project.
In a video message released earlier, she explained that she wanted to dedicate the milestone to God and to a cause she holds close to her heart.
The funds are being managed by the Federal Ministry of Education through an initiative called the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.”
According to her, seeing the National Library completed would be the best birthday gift she could receive.
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Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Villa, the First Lady reflected on her time as a senator, when she served on the Senate Committee on Education.
She noted that despite the ministry’s efforts, the library project, first conceived during Shehu Shagari’s administration in the 1980s, has remained unfinished.
Mrs Tinubu also shared a personal connection to the cause, saying libraries played a major role in shaping her as a young person, which is why she feels strongly about the project’s completion.
She confirmed that donations have already crossed ₦20 billion, with more support still flowing in.
Addressing criticism of her initiative, she urged Nigerians to think about service to the nation.
“We should emulate the words of the former American President who said citizens should not think of what the country can do for them, but what they can do for your country,” she said.