First Lady Oluremi Tinubu announced on Tuesday that her birthday fundraising initiative for the National Library has generated more than N20 billion.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Mrs Tinubu had asked Nigerians not to send her birthday gifts on her 65th birthday but rather donate to support the construction of a state-of-the-art National Library.
Speaking at a celebratory lunch with State House correspondents, she confirmed that the funds, raised through the “Oluremi @65 Education Fund,” are a personal gift to the nation.
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Mrs Tinubu chose to dedicate her 65th birthday to this cause instead of receiving traditional gifts and media tributes. She defended the project against critics who have suggested it has political motives.
“Twenty billion, four hundred and fifty-six million, one hundred and eighty-eight thousand, nine hundred and twenty-four Naira, and ninety-three kobo (N20,456,188,924.93) raised”, she stated.
“I want to clear the air about some people saying it has a political undertone. What is wrong with doing well?”
She explained that her decision to support the library was a deeply personal one, influenced by her own upbringing and her 12 years of service 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”, she said.
She underscored the importance of education for national development and committed to supporting projects that will benefit future generations.
Her remarks follow recent criticism from Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.
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Obi argued that a nation should not rely on private donations to complete a crucial national institution while government funds are allegedly wasted on frivolous expenses.
He acknowledged the First Lady’s focus on education but characterised the situation as a failure of national priorities.
