First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says over N20 billion has been raised for the completion of the National Library in Abuja through her legacy birthday project.
Speaking at a lunch with State House correspondents on Tuesday to mark her 65th birthday, Oluremi said she chose the library project as her gift to the nation rather than cakes, gifts, or media adverts.
She explained that the funds were mobilised through the Oluremi @65 Education Fund.
The first lady rejected claims that the gesture was politically motivated, describing it instead as a personal commitment rooted in her values.
“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 said.
“I want to clear the air about some people saying it has a political undertone. What is wrong in doing well?”
She said her choice was influenced by her 12 years on the senate committee on education and her modest upbringing.
“From a humble background, the library played a role in my life; that’s why I thought this is a worthy cause,” she said.
Tinubu added that education is critical to national development and pledged to sustain her commitment to projects that would benefit future generations.
Her remarks came shortly after Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, said it was wrong for a nation like Nigeria to depend on birthday donations to complete a critical national institution.
Obi praised the first lady for acknowledging the importance of education but said prioritising vanity despite this truth reflects a deep national failure.
Obi added that while the country wastes resources on frivolities, it continues to neglect the education sector.
