First Lady Rakes in N20.5 Billion for National Library Completion
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has successfully mobilized over N20.5 billion through her “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” a campaign launched in celebration of her 65th birthday on September 21.
The initiative aims to complete the long-delayed National Library project in Abuja, turning her personal milestone into a nationwide call for educational development.
In lieu of traditional birthday gifts, the First Lady appealed to well-wishers and supporters to contribute toward the completion of the National Library, describing it as a cause “close to her heart.”
The fundraising drive was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education and managed through a dedicated Zenith Bank account to ensure proper collection and allocation of funds.
The National Library project, initially conceived in the 1970s, has faced decades of delays and funding challenges.
Although the Federal Executive Council approved ₦32.4 billion in April 2023 for its completion, little progress had been recorded until this campaign.
With the additional funds raised through Senator Tinubu’s birthday initiative, authorities hope to accelerate construction, ultimately transforming the library into a state-of-the-art hub for research, digital archiving, and public reading.
While widely celebrated, the fundraising effort has also drawn criticism. Some observers argue that it highlights the government’s longstanding failure to adequately fund the National Library. In response, Ayodele Ademiluyi, convener of the Ife Book and Arts Festival, has filed a lawsuit seeking transparency and accountability over the funds raised.
Despite the controversy, the campaign has captured national attention, turning a personal celebration into a collective movement for education and knowledge infrastructure in Nigeria.
Many citizens and stakeholders have praised the First Lady for using her platform to champion literacy and educational development, reflecting the crucial role of public-private initiatives in addressing longstanding national projects.
