President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she marked her 65th birthday, describing her as his “confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor” throughout decades of political and personal challenges.
In a statement released at midnight, President Tinubu extolled the First Lady’s resilience, grace, and sacrifices, highlighting her quiet yet profound influence on their family and the nation at large.
“As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor,” the President wrote.
He reflected on their shared journey, recalling years of political struggle and exile, during which Oluremi, a former senator and First Lady of Lagos State, remained unwavering in her support.
“Through every season… you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express,” Tinubu noted, further describing her as more than a spouse, a symbol of fortitude, compassion, and faith.
Beyond the personal, the President acknowledged her national impact, stating that her sacrifices amounted to a form of “national service”.
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“Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know. In every sacrifice you made quietly, in every burden you carried without complaint, you have served this country as surely as I have, not from the podium, but from the heart of our home,” he wrote.
“As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives across our land,” Tinubu added, concluding with a personal message: “I love you more than ever.”
A birthday dedicated to education
In a separate statement issued ahead of her birthday, Mrs Tinubu announced that she would be dedicating her 65th birthday to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library in Abuja.
“I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, cakes, flowers, greetings in the newspapers or gifts should please send the funds to the designated account for a special project close to my heart… the completion of the National Library,” she stated.
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She revealed the creation of an “Oluremi@65 Education Fund” coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education, encouraging donations in lieu of personal gifts or publicity.
Mrs Tinubu, known for her strong advocacy on education, youth empowerment, and women’s development, expressed her desire to spend the day “dedicated to God” in quiet reflection.
“The best birthday present I would ever receive,” she said, “is support for a project that speaks to my love for education.”
A national project in limbo
The National Library, a 12-storey complex situated between the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, has become a longstanding symbol of stalled development. Originally awarded in 2006 for N8.59 billion, the project has suffered from severe delays and cost escalations, with the completion rate standing at just 44% as of 2023.
Current estimates suggest between N49.6 billion and N120 billion may be required to complete the facility, which is considered vital for national education, research, and cultural preservation.
In April 2025, Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced that construction would resume by June under the supervision of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. The Nigerian Library Association also renewed its appeal in September for urgent action.
By tying her birthday to this long-unfinished project, Mrs Tinubu has sought to reignite public attention and mobilise resources for its completion, aligning her celebration with a cause that reflects her long-standing commitment to education.
