Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has announced that a fundraising initiative tied to her 65th birthday has so far raised ₦20.4 billion toward the long-abandoned National Library headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa, the First Lady emphasized that the effort is not a personal pet project, but a national educational cause led by the Federal Ministry of Education under the umbrella of the Oluremi@65 Education Fund.
> “So far we have raised ₦20.4 billion since this fund launched last week, and more donations are still coming in,” she said.
The initiative was unveiled on September 18, just days ahead of her 65th birthday on September 21, and seeks to complete the library project which has been stalled for nearly two decades.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed deep personal connection to the project, sharing how access to libraries shaped her early life and intellectual growth.
> “Libraries helped shape my curiosity and development. I believe in the transformative power of books,” she said.
She noted that the fundraising account will remain open until December, encouraging more Nigerians to contribute.
She clarified that the account is managed by the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation to ensure transparency.
> “I’m only helping to drive this effort. The signatories are the responsible government officials,” she clarified.
“A Track Record of Giving*
Drawing from her past philanthropic milestones, the First Lady recalled similar initiatives from previous birthdays:
> “For my 45th birthday, I raised ₦50 million to complete the National Sickle Cell Foundation Center. At 50, I raised ₦200 million for the New Era Foundation and other causes,” she said.
> “I have played my part in this project, and I believe Nigerians can raise the funds needed to complete the library. This is not just a project—it’s a national treasure that will serve generations to come.”
Rejecting any political interpretations of her effort, Tinubu emphasized that her goal is simply to give back and inspire collective national development.
> “What’s wrong with doing good? If I could assist in rebuilding post-war Liberia by donating a school there, why shouldn’t I help draw attention to critical needs in our own country?” she asked.
Quoting Khalil Gibran and referencing John F. Kennedy, she underscored her belief in service over self-interest.
> “It doesn’t take much to do good. Most of the work I’ve done isn’t something new—I just start small, and with time, it becomes big,” she said.
She thanked all those who had donated so far, including prominent Nigerians from politics and industry, and urged more citizens to support the cause instead of sending birthday gifts or paying for newspaper adverts.
*A National Library, Still Waiting*
The National Library project, first conceived in 1981, officially broke ground in 2006 after a contract award worth ₦8.59 billion. However, by 2023, only 44% of the work had been completed. Current estimates suggest that finishing the project could cost between ₦49.6 billion and ₦120 billion.
Situated between Abuja’s National Mosque and National Ecumenical Centre, the library is seen as a cornerstone for national education, youth development, research, and cultural preservation.
In April 2025, Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would resume funding and restart construction on June 1, following fresh site assessments.
The Nigerian Library Association has also continued to advocate for the project’s urgent completion, stressing its significance to the country’s intellectual and cultural future.
NAN
