FIRST Lady Oluremi Tinubu has raised more than ₦20 billion towards the long-delayed National Library project in Abuja, transforming her 65th birthday celebration into a landmark drive for education and knowledge.
News Point Nigeria reports that instead of hosting an elaborate party on September 21, 2025, the First Lady called on Nigerians to convert gifts and greetings into contributions for the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.”
The fund is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education with a focus on completing the National Library, which has remained unfinished for decades.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Monday, Mrs. Tinubu described the initiative as a cause deeply close to her heart.
“As a young person, the library played a great role in shaping me. It pains me that the National Library, first envisioned during President Shehu Shagari’s administration, is still uncompleted to this day. I believe finishing this project will be the greatest birthday gift to me and to Nigeria,” she said.
The First Lady recalled her time as a member of the Senate Committee on Education, where she observed firsthand the challenges the Ministry of Education faced in bringing the project to completion.
So far, over ₦20 billion has been raised, with additional pledges expected in the coming weeks.
Amid criticisms that such initiatives should be left entirely to government, Mrs. Tinubu defended her approach, urging Nigerians to embrace a spirit of civic responsibility.
Citing former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, she said: “We must stop asking only what our country can do for us and start asking what we can do for our country. Nigerians should rally behind this project because it belongs to us all.”
She added that the National Library, once completed, would serve as a hub for research, learning, and national identity, while restoring Nigeria’s pride in education and culture.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to individuals, corporate organisations, and institutions who have already contributed to the fund, promising transparency and accountability in the disbursement of donations.
The ₦20bn milestone marks the strongest fundraising push yet for the project, which has been stalled for more than 40 years due to inconsistent funding and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
