Abuja, Nigeria – Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the state of Nigeria’s priorities, following an appeal by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for donations to complete the National Library.
Obi, in a strongly worded public statement titled “We Are Finished!”, praised Mrs Tinubu for urging well-wishers to donate towards the long-abandoned National Library project in Abuja, rather than spend money on cakes or newspaper adverts for her birthday. However, he said the appeal — while noble on the surface — exposed the misplaced priorities of Nigeria’s leadership.
“I join millions of Nigerians in wishing Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, a happy birthday,” Obi wrote. “However, I was struck by irony reading her request… Beneath it lies an indictment of our nation.”
Obi recalled that during his time as governor, he also encouraged citizens to divert advert funds toward social initiatives such as purchasing school computers or building classrooms. But he emphasised that such gestures were intended to complement the government’s efforts — not replace its basic responsibilities.
“It is shocking that, in our present circumstances, while billions are easily found for jets, yachts, unused mansions, endless trips abroad, and other frivolities, the nation must rely on birthday donations to complete its own National Library,” he said.
The former governor lamented that a country rich in natural and human resources should not need to “beg for charity” to complete what he described as “the very temple of knowledge.”
“Serious nations treat libraries as sacred; but here we reduce them to afterthoughts, begging bowls, or birthday tokens,” Obi added.
While acknowledging Mrs Tinubu’s recognition that education is the most enduring legacy a nation can offer, he said it was “both shocking and tragic” that this truth is known, yet not reflected in national spending.
“If Nigeria will rise, it will not be on the wings of jets or the splendour of mansions, but on the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries,” Obi concluded. “Until then, the lament remains true — we are finished.”
