The assertion that the appeal for her 65th birthday fundraiser to promote the completion of the National Library is politically driven has been rejected by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
As a teacher, Ms. Tinubu’s spokesman, Busola Kukoyi, was inspired to raise money for the National Library’s construction by the library’s influence on her own life.
“What’s wrong with succeeding and attempting to develop our nation? What is wrong with bringing attention to some of the places of need in our dear country if I could help with the post-war construction process in Liberia by making a donation to the Oluremi Tinubu Elementary and Junior Secondary School in Monte Serrado County?
“I have previously raised money for causes that are dear to my heart. In order to finish the National Sickle Cell Foundation Center, which is now fully operational, I raised ₦50 million for my 45th birthday.
“I raised ₦200 million for the New Era Foundation and other organizations on my 50th birthday. I’ve contributed to this cause and think Nigerians can raise the money required to finish the library. “This is a national treasure that will benefit future generations, not just a project,” she remarked.
The first lady said that the account would be active until December 2025 before being closed because the fund was still being calculated. She claims that some generous Nigerians have contributed N20.7 billion to the project’s completion thus far.
She went on to say that the Ministry of Education and the National Library are the government agencies in charge of managing the account that was created for the contribution.
She claims that Chinwe Anunobi, the chief librarian, and Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, are the signatories to the account. She maintained that her responsibility was to assist raise the money needed to finish the library.
In his 1925 article, “The New Frontier,” Lebanese author, poet, philosopher, and artist Gebran Kalil Gebran asked, “Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you, or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country?” Ms. Tinubu stated. You are a parasite if you are the first, and an oasis in a desert if you are the second.
Because of this, if we take good baby steps, things for our nation will start to take shape soon. Each of us must step up and contribute to the construction process. A drop of water and a grain of sand combine to form a powerful ocean.
