Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has raised ₦20.45 billion to complete the abandoned National Library project in Abuja.
Mrs. Tinubu launched the “Oluremi@65 Education Fund” to mark her 65th birthday on September 18, in place of a lavish celebration.
She urged friends, associates, and corporate bodies to donate towards reviving the stalled library.
Contributions have hitherto increased to ₦20,456,188,924.93, while more pledges are expected before the close of the fund.
Mrs.Tinubu expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her vision, singling out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife Nana, former First Ladies, National Assembly leaders, several state governors, and traditional rulers.
She also commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu and Dr. Jim Ovia, alongside ex-militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), for supporting the project immensely.
The names of the donors would be published in national newspapers for the sake of transparency and accountability, she said.
Reacting to criticisms trailing the project, Mrs. Tinubu maintained thather actions were guided strictly by patriotism and her passion for education, not politics.
She added:“My only desire is to see Nigeria’s knowledge repository completed for the sake of future generations,” she said, stressing that her intervention was born out of love for learning and not tailored to politics.”
