Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced that no less than N20 billion has been raised as donations for her 65th birthday.
Earlier this month, the First Lady urged well-wishers to convert birthday gifts and greetings into donations toward completing the National Library project.
The First Lady, who turned 65 on September 21, 2025, said in a video message that she would dedicate the day to God and to a cause she described as dear to her heart, instead of hosting a lavish celebration.
The funds, according to her, are being managed by the Federal Ministry of Education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.”
She said the completion of the National Library would be the greatest birthday gift she could receive.
Speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, the First Lady recalled serving on the Senate Committee on Education, noting that the ministry had been unable to finish the project.
She said libraries played a vital role in shaping her as a young person, adding that she was disheartened that the National Library, initiated under the Shehu Shagari administration, remains uncompleted to this day.
Reacting to criticisms trailing her initiative, the First Lady urged Nigerians to embrace the words of a former American President, stressing that citizens should not only think of what their country can do for them, but also what they can contribute to their country.
She disclosed that so far, Nigerians have donated over N20 billion, with more contributions still coming in.
