ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, says she will dedicate her 65th birthday on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to raising funds for the completion of the long-delayed National Library project.
In a video message shared on social media, Mrs. Tinubu said she intends to spend the day quietly in thanksgiving to God and has asked well-wishers to direct gifts and greetings instead towards the library project.
“I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st September 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 by having a quiet birthday,” she said.
“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.”
The initiative, branded the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with Zenith Bank.
The first lady released account details for contributions and appealed to friends and supporters to channel funds rather than send traditional birthday presents such as flowers, cakes, or cards.
The National Library, first conceived in 1981, has faced decades of delays.
Construction began in 2006 with an initial completion date set for 2008.
Successive administrations have pledged to finish the project, but it remains incomplete.
In March, Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced that the federal government intended to complete the first phase of the library by June 2025.
No public update has been provided since that announcement.
Mrs. Tinubu, a former senator and advocate of education, said dedicating her birthday to the project reflected her long-standing passion for learning.
“This is my way of investing in the future of Nigeria through education,” she said.
Announcement from the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pic.twitter.com/mOw9DwhkYx
— Busola Kukoyi (@KukoyiBusola) September 1, 2025
