“Over N20bn Raised for National Library Through My Birthday Fund” — Remi Tinubu

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has announced that more than N20 billion has been raised to support the completion of the National Library in Abuja through her legacy birthday project. The disclosure came during a lunch with State House correspondents on Tuesday as she marked her 65th birthday.

Mrs Tinubu explained that the funds were mobilised through the Oluremi @65 Education Fund, a campaign she launched in place of cakes, gifts, or media adverts. According to her, the initiative has generated precisely N20,456,188,924.93. She stressed that the effort was not politically motivated but a personal commitment rooted in her values and shaped by her experience serving for 12 years on the Senate committee on education.

“From a humble background, the library played a role in my life; that’s why I thought this is a worthy cause,” the first lady said, adding that education remains central to national development. She pledged to continue supporting projects aimed at benefiting future generations.

The announcement drew reactions from political figures, including Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Obi commended Mrs Tinubu for recognising the importance of education but criticised the circumstances that made birthday donations necessary for such a critical national institution. He described it as evidence of misplaced priorities, saying Nigeria continues to lavish resources on frivolities while neglecting vital sectors such as education.