First Lady rakes in N20.7billion from birthday wishes, committed to completing national library

By Kingston Magare 23.9.2025
Mrs Oluremi Tinubu wife of the Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said N20.7 billion was realised from birthday wishes that came her way.
Speaking in a statement signed by Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady’s media adviser, Mrs. Tinubu said the money would use to complete the National Library in Abuja. She noted that the 65th birthday account, Oluremi@65 Education Fund will remain open till December 2025 to receive more donations from willing Nigerians towards the completion of the project.
“In his 1925 Essay, ‘The New Frontier’ Gebran Kalil Gebran, a Lebanese Writer, Poet, Philosopher and Artist wrote, I quote ‘Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite, if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.’
“That is why if we take our baby steps in well-doing, before long, things will begin to shape up for our country.
“We all have to rise up, play our parts in the building process. A grain of sand and a drop of water make a mighty ocean.”
She pointed out that as a teacher, as well as the impact library had on her life while growing up, she was motivated to call for the donations towards the building of the National Library.
“What is wrong in doing well or trying to build our country – if I could assist the post war building process in Liberia by donating the Oluremi Tinubu Elementary and Junior Secondary School in Monte Serrado County in Liberia, what is wrong in drawing attention to some of the areas of need in our beloved Nation.
“This is not the first time I have raised funds for causes close to my heart. For my 45th birthday, I raised ₦50 million to complete the National Sickle Cell Foundation Center, which has since become fully operational. For my 50th birthday, I raised ₦200 million for the New Era Foundation and other charities.
“I have played my part in this project, and believe Nigerians can raise the funds needed to complete the library. This is not just a project but a national treasure that will serve generations to come.”