First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has disclosed that ₦20,456,188,924.93 has been raised for the completion of the long-delayed National Library in Abuja under her “Oluremi @65 Education Fund.”
Addressing State House correspondents on Tuesday during her 65th birthday luncheon, Mrs Tinubu said she chose the library project as her gift to the nation instead of “cakes, gifts, or media adverts.”
She explained that the funds have been mobilised through the Oluremi @65 Education Fund.
Rejecting suggestions that her birthday initiative was politically driven, she said: “From a humble background, the library played a role in my life; that’s why I thought this is a worthy cause.”
She added, “I want to clear the air about some people saying it has a political undertone. What is wrong in doing well?”
Senator Tinubu emphasised education as vital to national development and vowed to continue supporting projects that will benefit future generations.
Her remarks came in reaction to criticisms from figures including Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential aspirant.
Obi faulted the First Lady’s appeal for donations, saying it exposed a failure of government responsibility.
Obi said: “On the surface, it is noble and selfless. But beneath it lies an indictment of our nation.”
He also queried: “What kind of country must beg for charity to build the very temple of knowledge?”
Meanwhile, the opposition party ADC (African Democratic Congress) has also weighed in, urging that the National Library project should not be treated as a “personal pet project,” but rather funded through predictable national budget allocations.
The ADC statement noted: “The National Library of Nigeria cannot, and must not, be reduced to the status of a personal pet project of any individual, no matter how well-intentioned.”
According to Mrs Tinubu, donations will continue to be accepted until December 2025, and the account is overseen by signatories including the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation.
She noted that the project, initiated in earlier administrations and funded sporadically over decades, has suffered multiple delays. Under the current administration, however, there is determination to ensure its completion.
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