Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed speculations that the recently launched N20 billion library fundraiser was a political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. She explained that the initiative is strictly aimed at preserving historical records, promoting research, and providing a lasting legacy for future generations.
Speaking during the fundraising event, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the project is designed to document the journey of Nigerian leaders, particularly her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to create a repository of knowledge for students, researchers, and the wider public. She maintained that any attempt to link the initiative to political ambitions was a misrepresentation of its true purpose.
According to the First Lady, libraries are critical to national development as they serve as centers of learning and knowledge preservation. She said the project will not only house books and archival materials but also provide digital resources that would ensure Nigeria’s history and governance processes are well-documented and accessible to the younger generation.
Mrs. Tinubu also called on individuals, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to support the initiative, noting that education and research require collaborative investment. She emphasized that the N20 billion target was not excessive considering the scope and long-term vision of the library project.
She further clarified that the project is under the purview of the Office of the First Lady and is intended to stand as a national monument, not a partisan political structure. “This library is not about 2027, it is about history, learning, and nation-building,” she remarked, urging Nigerians to look beyond politics and support initiatives that foster intellectual growth.
The First Lady’s comments come amid debates on the appropriateness of the project’s timing and the large sum being raised. While some critics have questioned the priority of such an initiative in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges, supporters argue that the library will serve as an important intellectual hub and cultural heritage center.
As discussions continue, the fundraiser has already drawn wide attention from stakeholders in government, academia, and the private sector, with expectations that the project could become one of Nigeria’s most significant knowledge landmarks in the years ahead.
