First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has so far raised N20.4 billion for the long-stalled National Library project, with a target of N100 billion by December 2025.
She disclosed this during a luncheon with State House correspondents at Aso Villa on Monday, days after turning 65. Senator Tinubu had earlier urged well-wishers to channel birthday gifts, advertorials, and other gestures into donations for the library’s completion.
The National Library, first initiated in 1981 under President Shehu Shagari, has suffered decades of delays, stalled contracts, and ballooning costs, rising from N8.2 billion at inception to over N23 billion in recent years.
A National Legacy Project
Speaking at the event, Mrs Tinubu explained that the project was more than a building, but a national treasure that would preserve knowledge for generations to come.
“My role is only to help drive support for the cause. This is a national project, and I believe Nigerians can come together to make it happen,” she said.
The First Lady, a former teacher and senator who served 12 years on the Senate Committee on Education, described libraries as central to her personal and professional growth.
“From a humble background, the library played a role in my life. This is not just about a building; it is about preserving knowledge for future generations,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu recalled her history of philanthropy and national causes, citing how she raised N50 million for the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre during her 45th birthday, and N200 million for the New Era Foundation at her 50th.
“This is not the first time I have raised funds for causes close to my heart,” she stressed, dismissing claims that her current drive has political undertones.
“What is wrong with drawing attention to areas of need? Helping to rebuild does not have a political undertone—it’s our duty as citizens to contribute meaningfully to society,” she added.
Broad-Based Support
The First Lady confirmed that contributions have poured in from across society, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Hajia Nana, former First Ladies including Aisha Buhari, the Senate President and his wife, the Speaker of the House and his wife, governors and their spouses, security chiefs, and leading business figures such as Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Arthur Eze, Tony Elumelu, and Femi Otedola.
“With this administration ready to take the bull by the horns, I believe the library can be completed within two years, with the support of Nigerians,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu emphasized unity and service, quoting U.S. former President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” She also drew inspiration from the biblical Isaiah 58:6, framing her philanthropy as faith-driven service.
Calling on Nigerians to embrace the project as a collective duty, she said: “A grain of sand and a drop of water can become a mighty ocean. Together, Nigerians can transform the country.”
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