Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi has faulted the birthday wish of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as a sobering reflection of the country’s misplaced priorities and chronic underfunding of education.
Mrs. Tinubu, who turned 65 on Sunday, September 22, 2025, had asked Nigerians to forgo the usual birthday gifts, cakes, flowers, and newspaper adverts and instead donate toward the completion of the long-delayed National Library headquarters in Abuja.
The project, initiated in 2006 and meant to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s intellectual development, has remained incomplete for nearly two decades despite repeated budgetary allocations.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement posted on his X handle, Obi congratulated the First Lady on her milestone and praised the intent behind her request as “noble and selfless.” However, he said the very need for such an appeal reveals a deeper failure of governance.
“What kind of country must beg for charity to build the very temple of knowledge?” Obi asked. “While billions are easily found for jets, yachts, unused mansions and endless trips abroad, the nation must rely on birthday donations to complete its own National Library.”
The former Anambra State governor recalled making similar appeals during his tenure, urging supporters to redirect funds for congratulatory adverts into practical causes such as providing computers and classroom blocks. But he stressed that such voluntary gestures were meant to complement not replace government’s core responsibility.
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Obi warned that the contrast between lavish government spending and the neglect of critical education infrastructure underscores why Nigeria continues to lag in literacy and knowledge development.
“Mrs. Tinubu was right: education is the most enduring legacy a nation can give its people. Yet to know this truth and still prioritise vanity is both shocking and tragic,” he wrote. “Until then, the lament remains true we are finished.”
The National Library, envisioned as the country’s foremost research and information hub, is vital for advancing literacy, academic research, and national memory. Its prolonged abandonment has become a symbol of Nigeria’s struggle to prioritise education in a nation where millions of children are out of school and universities face chronic funding gaps.
Analysts say Obi’s critique highlights a larger governance question: if government can swiftly allocate funds for presidential jets and official luxury, why is a key national institution left to depend on private donations? The debate also comes as President Tinubu’s administration faces mounting criticism over high travel costs and slow progress on education reforms.
As of press time, Mrs. Tinubu’s office maintained that all donations channelled through a Zenith Bank account named Oluremi at 65 Education Fund will be applied directly to the National Library project.
For many Nigerians, Obi’s intervention reinforces a growing sentiment that symbolic gestures cannot substitute for a government that treats knowledge as a national priority rather than a birthday token.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
