BREAKING NEWS: Oluremi Tinubu Mobilizes N20.5 Billion Through Birthday Initiative to Complete National Library Project

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has successfully raised about N20.5 billion through her birthday Education Fund, with the bulk of the proceeds dedicated to completing the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria project. The development has been met with widespread acclaim, rekindling optimism for the revival of a project that has languished for over two decades.

The fundraising, held alongside her birthday celebrations, attracted support from corporate organizations, individuals, philanthropists, and government institutions. According to the Office of the First Lady, the initiative reflects her lifelong commitment to education and her determination to leave a legacy that will serve Nigerian students, scholars, and generations to come.

The National Library project, situated in Abuja, was originally conceived in the early 2000s as a modern repository of knowledge and research. However, the project stalled due to inadequate funding, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and shifting government priorities. Over the years, the abandoned structure came to symbolize Nigeria’s recurring challenge of lofty ambitions overshadowed by poor execution.

Senator Tinubu’s intervention has sparked renewed confidence that the project could finally move from years of rhetoric to tangible completion.

At the well-attended Abuja fundraising, dignitaries, governors, business leaders, and concerned Nigerians pledged support, culminating in the N20.5 billion raised. Explaining her decision, the First Lady said:

> “Education remains the bedrock of national development. A country that neglects education neglects its future. By completing this project, we are not only building a library; we are building a knowledge hub that will serve millions of Nigerians for generations.”

Her remarks have been widely celebrated across the education sector. Dr. Ibrahim Goni, a university lecturer in Abuja, described the initiative as “a historic moment,” stressing that the First Lady’s effort has turned her birthday into “a gift to Nigeria’s education system.”

Teachers, librarians, and students alike have expressed excitement, viewing the development as a turning point for Nigeria’s academic and cultural landscape. Experts emphasize that a completed national library will play vital roles such as preserving knowledge, driving research and innovation, boosting international recognition, integrating digital learning platforms, and empowering young Nigerians.

Corporate organizations, state governors, philanthropists, and public institutions all contributed, signaling broad national support. The Federal Ministry of Education has also pledged technical and administrative backing to ensure effective use of the funds.

Nonetheless, stakeholders caution that the major task lies ahead — ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely execution. Analysts warn that Nigeria has a history of failed fundraising drives, urging oversight to prevent this initiative from suffering the same fate. Concerns have also been raised about long-term sustainability, as the library will require ongoing resources for maintenance, staffing, and digital integration.

For many, however, the symbolism of Senator Tinubu’s gesture stands out. By turning her birthday celebration into a vehicle for national progress, she has modeled a form of leadership that prioritizes service and social impact over personal extravagance. Education advocates note that her effort could inspire similar interventions in other areas of Nigeria’s struggling education system.

With N20.5 billion already mobilized, attention now shifts to the project’s timeline and execution. The Ministry of Education and National Library Board are expected to release a roadmap for completion, while calls grow for an independent oversight committee to monitor progress.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s bold initiative has reignited hope that Nigeria may soon boast a world-class National Library — a long-awaited institution that embodies the nation’s commitment to education, knowledge, and culture.