Abuja: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has announced that the National Library fund has successfully raised approximately N20.4 billion since its launch on September 18. This initiative, unveiled just ahead of her 65th birthday, aims to complete the long-abandoned National Library headquarters in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu addressed State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, emphasizing that the library project holds significant personal importance due to her deep-rooted passion for education and learning. She clarified that the initiative is not a personal endeavor but a national effort spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education under the ‘Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.’
The First Lady highlighted that the fundraising account, Oluremi@65 Education Fund, will remain active until December, allowing more Nigerians to contribute towards the project’s completion. She explained that the account’s signatories include the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation to ensure transparency and accountability, while her role is to facilitate the fundraising process.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed her gratitude to Nigerians who chose to donate to the fund instead of sending her birthday gifts or placing congratulatory newspaper adverts. She shared how libraries have significantly influenced her personal and intellectual growth, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of books.
Reflecting on her past philanthropic efforts, Mrs. Tinubu, a former senator and First Lady of Lagos State, recalled raising funds for various causes, including the National Sickle Cell Foundation Center and the New Era Foundation. She emphasized that the National Library project is a national treasure that will benefit future generations, dismissing any political motives behind her initiative.
Mrs. Tinubu also highlighted her commitment to national development, referencing her contributions to post-war Liberia’s educational infrastructure and advocating for addressing areas of need in Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Khalil Gibran and John F. Kennedy, she emphasized the value of service and collective effort in nation-building.
Contributors to the fund include well-meaning Nigerians, politicians, and industry leaders. NAN reports that the National Library project, initially proposed in 1981, began construction in 2006 with an initial contract worth N8.59 billion but has faced numerous delays. By 2023, only 44 percent of the work had been completed, with current cost estimates for completion ranging between N49.6 billion and N120 billion.
The library’s strategic location between the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja underscores its potential as a crucial hub for education and youth engagement. Successive administrations have pledged to complete the project, with the Federal Government mandating TETFund to resume funding in 2025. Construction is set to resume following detailed site assessments, as confirmed by Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa.
The Nigerian Library Association has also reiterated the project’s importance to national education, research, and cultural preservation, underscoring the urgency of its completion.