Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has refuted allegations linking her 65th birthday fundraising initiative to her husband’s potential 2027 re-election campaign. The fundraiser, aimed at generating funds for the construction of a new National Library complex in Abuja, has garnered substantial support, exceeding N20.4 billion in donations since its launch. Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the apolitical nature of the initiative, highlighting her long-standing commitment to philanthropic endeavors focused on national development. She cited previous fundraising efforts for the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre and the New Era Foundation as examples of her dedication to contributing meaningfully to Nigerian society. The First Lady underscored that the fundraising drive was not a novel concept for her, and it stemmed from a genuine desire to address critical national needs.
Responding to criticisms, particularly from 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, who questioned the necessity of relying on birthday donations for such a project, Mrs. Tinubu defended her approach, invoking the spirit of collective responsibility. She asserted that drawing attention to and addressing areas requiring national improvement transcends political motivations. The First Lady stressed the importance of citizens actively participating in nation-building, citing her own contribution to post-war school reconstruction in Liberia as a testament to her belief in cross-border collaboration and development. Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the need for unity and collaboration, drawing inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s call to prioritize national service over individual gain. Furthermore, she underscored the biblical principle of service as a driving force behind her lifelong commitment to national development.
The First Lady’s fundraising initiative aims to revitalize the long-delayed National Library project in Abuja, a project that has faced numerous setbacks since its inception in 1981. Construction began in 2006 with an initial budget of N8.59 billion and a two-year completion timeline. However, escalating costs and slow progress have hampered the project, with current estimates ranging from N49.6 billion to over N120 billion needed for completion. The 11-story complex, situated between the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre, has become a symbol of stalled infrastructure development. Despite various administrations pledging its completion, the project remains unfinished. In 2025, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) was tasked with overseeing the project’s funding and resumption, with the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, indicating a June 1 restart date following site assessments.
Mrs. Tinubu’s initiative seeks to inject much-needed momentum into the project’s completion, recognizing the National Library’s crucial role in education, research, and cultural preservation. The Nigerian Library Association has consistently advocated for the project’s urgent completion, emphasizing its importance for national development. The First Lady’s fundraising efforts have garnered widespread support, with contributions from various sectors, including government officials, business leaders, and private citizens. This broad-based support underscores the national significance of the project and the collective desire to see it realized. The “Oluremi@65 Education Fund,” managed by the Ministry of Education, will remain open until December 2025 to receive further donations from willing Nigerians. The Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation serve as signatories to the account, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Mrs. Tinubu’s decision to dedicate her 65th birthday to this cause underscores her dedication to education and national development. She chose to channel birthday wishes and gifts towards the fund, demonstrating her commitment to prioritizing national needs over personal celebrations. This gesture resonates with her previous philanthropic endeavors and reinforces her long-standing commitment to serving the nation. Her advocacy has consistently focused on education, women’s empowerment, and youth development, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of education. The First Lady’s efforts to revive the National Library project represent a significant step toward realizing its potential as a vital resource for national progress.
The overwhelming response to the fundraising initiative signifies a shared commitment to advancing education and cultural preservation in Nigeria. Mrs. Tinubu’s efforts serve as a catalyst for collective action, inspiring individuals and organizations to contribute to national development. The initiative also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing critical infrastructure needs. By rallying support from various sectors, Mrs. Tinubu has demonstrated the power of collective action in achieving national goals. The National Library project, once completed, will serve as a lasting legacy of her commitment to education and national development. The ongoing fundraising efforts, combined with the government’s commitment to the project’s completion, provide renewed hope for the realization of this long-awaited national asset.
