Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to forgo lavish birthday gestures and instead donate to the completion of the National Library project as a gift to mark her upcoming 65th birthday on September 21, 2025.

 

In a heartfelt video message released on Tuesday, the First Lady said she would be observing a quiet and reflective birthday, dedicating the day to God and to a cause she described as close to her heart — the advancement of education in Nigeria.

 

“By the special grace of God, I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st of September 2025, 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 and have a quiet birthday,” she stated.

 

Rather than cakes, flowers, or media greetings, Mrs. Tinubu is appealing for donations to support the long-delayed National Library of Nigeria, a flagship public infrastructure project that has suffered years of neglect and funding gaps.

 

“I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, cakes, flowers, greetings in the newspapers, or gifts — please send the funds to the designated account for a special project close to my heart… the completion of the National Library.

 

This would be the best birthday present I could receive,” she said.

 

The donation drive is being coordinated under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund”, managed by the Federal Ministry of Education, with Zenith Bank Plc account number 1310314977 provided for contributions.

 

The former senator emphasized that her love for education and commitment to national development motivated the initiative.

“My love for education has informed my decision to dedicate my birthday to this worthy cause,” she added.

Her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, also issued a warning to the public, urging Nigerians to be cautious of fraudulent fundraising accounts claiming affiliation with the First Lady or the project.

“Announcement from the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria… Please discredit any other account information,” Kukoyi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The National Library of Nigeria, intended to be a world-class repository of knowledge and learning, has been under construction for nearly two decades. Despite its significance, the project has faced repeated delays due to inadequate funding, stalled contracts, and shifting priorities across successive administrations.

 

The First Lady’s appeal adds a new layer of citizen-driven funding and advocacy aimed at breathing life back into the project, which is seen as symbolic of Nigeria’s investment in intellectual infrastructure.

 

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Donation Details:

• Initiative Name: Oluremi at 65 Education Fund

• Bank: Zenith Bank Plc

• Account Number: 1310314977

• Purpose: Completion of the National Library of Nigeria