NIGERIA: Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Support National Library Project as Birthday Gift

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to channel all the birthday greetings, cards, cakes, and gifts into donations, intended to be gifted to her, for the completion of the National Library of Nigeria.

In a video message ahead of her 65th birthday on September 21, 2025, the First Lady said she has chosen to dedicate the milestone to God and to a cause close to her heart, education, rather than host an elaborate celebration.

She said: “By the special grace of God, I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st of September 2025, and this happens to be a Sunday. This is why I have decided to dedicate the day to God for all His blessings in my life and to have a quiet birthday.”

Mrs. Tinubu explained that the best way Nigerians could honour her would be by contributing to the Oluremi at 65 Education Fund, specifically earmarked for the National Library project.

“I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, cakes, flowers, greetings in the newspapers or gifts, to please send the funds to the designated account for a special project close to my heart. The completion of the National Library—this would be the best birthday present I could receive. My love for education has informed my decision to dedicate my birthday to this worthy cause,” she added.

The fund is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education through an account domiciled at Zenith Bank Plc (Account Number: 1310314977).

Her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, also issued a caution on X (formerly Twitter), urging Nigerians to beware of fraudulent accounts. “Announcement from the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria… Please discredit any other account information,” Kukoyi posted.

The National Library, a long-delayed project, is regarded as a symbol of Nigeria’s knowledge economy and an important resource for researchers, students, and the public.