‘No cakes, newspaper messages’ — Remi Tinubu seeks donations for national library project on 65th birthday

Remi Tinubu, the first lady of Nigeria, says she will dedicate her 65th birthday coming up on September 21 to the completion of the National Library project.

In a video shared on social media, Remi said she would spend the day quietly in thanksgiving to God and urged well-wishers to direct gifts and greetings towards the cause.

The first lady said her love for education informed her decision to dedicate her birthday to the 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.

Remi appealed to friends and supporters who may wish to send cards, cakes, flowers, newspaper messages or other presents to instead send funds to an account designated for the library project.

The initiative, she said is being coordinated by the federal ministry of education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” Zenith Bank Plc, with account number 1310314977.

“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,” she added.

In March Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, said the federal government plans to complete the first phase of the national library project by June 2025.

There has, however, been no publicly available update on the completion status of the phase since the March announcement.

The national library was first designed in 1981, with construction beginning in 2006 and an initial completion target set for 2008.