First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Appeals for National Library Donations As 65th Birthday Gift.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has made a heartfelt appeal to well-wishers, urging them to forgo traditional birthday gifts and instead contribute to the completion of the long-delayed National Library project as she approaches her 65th birthday on 21 September. In a video message shared on social media, Mrs Tinubu announced her intention to mark the milestone with quiet reflection and a focus on a cause close to her heart.
“By the special grace of God, I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st of September 2025, which happens to be a Sunday,” she said. “I have decided to dedicate the day to God for all His blessings in my life and to have a quiet birthday.” The former senator, who represented Lagos Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2023, expressed her deep passion for education, noting that the completion of the National Library would be “the best birthday present I could receive.”
Mrs Tinubu has requested that friends, family, and supporters redirect their gestures—such as cards, cakes, flowers, or newspaper tributes—into donations to the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education. She provided a dedicated Zenith Bank account (number 1310414977) for contributions, emphasising that the funds will support the National Library project, which has been stalled since 2012 after construction began in 2006. The Tinubu administration has pledged to resume work on the project, with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocating ₦15bn as an initial investment.
The First Lady’s appeal has sparked widespread discussion, with many praising her commitment to education as a lasting legacy for Nigeria. “Education remains one of the most enduring gifts we can give our people,” she stated, underscoring the library’s potential to serve as a vital resource for learning and research. Mrs Tinubu thanked Nigerians in advance for their support, expressing hope that the collective effort would bring the project to fruition.
As the nation prepares to celebrate her 65th birthday, Mrs Tinubu’s call for donations reflects her ongoing dedication to public service and nation-building. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards revitalising Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, with the National Library poised to become a symbol of progress and knowledge for future generations.
