Over N20bn Donated To My Birthday Fund For National Library Project – Remi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says her 65th birthday initiative has raised more than N20 billion to help complete the National Library in Abuja.

Speaking at a launch with State House reporters on Tuesday, Remi Tinubu explained that instead of marking her birthday with cakes, gifts, or adverts, she decided to use the occasion to launch the “Oluremi @65 Education Fund”.

The first lady, who disclosed that the fund has so far brought in N20,456,188,924.93, stressed that the idea was not politically driven but a personal effort inspired by 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.

“I want to clear the air about some people saying it has a political undertone. What is wrong in doing well?” she asked.

Oluremi noted that her 12 years on the Senate education committee, as well as her modest upbringing, shaped her decision to focus on the library project.

“From a humble background, the library played a role in my life; that’s why I thought this is a worthy cause,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu added that education remains central to Nigeria’s progress and promised to continue supporting projects that will benefit future generations.

Her announcement came amid criticism from the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who argued that while Remi Tinubu’s effort shows her recognition of the value of education, it also highlights a national failure.