By Bolaji Ogundele,The Nation

Copyright thenationonlineng

…says initiative not linked to 2027 politics

…recounts past philanthropic milestones

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has debunked suggestions that the ₦100 billion fundraiser she launched to complete the National Library of Nigeria project is politically motivated or tied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Speaking during her first lunch with State House correspondents at the State House, Abuja, to mark her 65th birthday, Mrs Tinubu revealed that ₦20.4 billion had already been raised from Nigerians and corporate donors in support of the 11-storey edifice that has been stalled since 1981, when it was first initiated by the Shehu Shagari administration.

The First Lady said the fundraiser account, which she opened in place of receiving cakes, gifts, and newspaper adverts for her birthday, would remain open until December 2025 to accommodate more contributions from willing Nigerians.

She stressed that she was not a signatory to the account, as it is jointly managed by the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation.

“My role is only to help drive support for the cause. This is a national project, and I believe Nigerians can come together to make it happen,” she explained.

Mrs Tinubu, a former teacher and senator who served for 12 years on the Senate Committee on Education, said her upbringing had instilled in her the value of libraries.

She described the National Library project as a legacy initiative close to her heart.

“From a humble background, the library played a role in my life. This is not just about a building; it is about preserving knowledge for future generations,” she noted.

The First Lady underscored her long-standing dedication to philanthropy and fundraising for national causes.

She recalled raising ₦50 million for the completion of the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre during her 45th birthday, and ₦200 million for the New Era Foundation at her 50th birthday.

“This is not the first time I have raised funds for causes close to my heart,” she said, pointing to her history of initiatives that have since become fully operational and beneficial to society.

Addressing speculations that her current effort may have political undertones, Mrs Tinubu dismissed such claims as misplaced.

“What is wrong with drawing attention to areas of need and inclusion? Helping to rebuild does not have a political undertone—it’s our duty as citizens to contribute meaningfully to society. I even donated to the post-war rebuilding of schools in Liberia,” she stressed.

Urging Nigerians to adopt a spirit of service, Mrs Tinubu cited the words of U.S. former President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

She added, “Like President Kennedy said, let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of what divides us. This should guide our actions.”

Drawing inspiration from the biblical exhortation in Isaiah 58:6, she said her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and public service was rooted in her faith.

The National Library of Nigeria project, approved with funding in subsequent years after its 1981 launch, has faced multiple delays and cost escalations—from ₦8.2 billion in 1981 to about ₦23 billion by 2023.

“With this administration ready to take the bull by the horns, I believe the library can be completed within two years, with the support of Nigerians,” Mrs Tinubu said.

She described the building as more than a project, calling it “a national treasure that will serve generations to come.”

The First Lady disclosed that donations have already surpassed ₦20.4 billion, noting contributions from a broad spectrum of Nigerians and institutions.

She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, former President Muhammadu Buhari, several former First Ladies, the Senate President and his wife, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and his wife, members of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and governors’ spouses, security chiefs and their wives, as well as prominent business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Arthur Eze, Tony Elumelu, and Femi Otedola.

“A Grain of Sand Can Become an Ocean”

Concluding her address, Mrs Tinubu called on all Nigerians to see the library project as a collective duty.

“A grain of sand and a drop of water can become a mighty ocean. Together, Nigerians can transform the country,” she declared.