Tinubu Hails Wife Remi At 65 As First Lady Dedicates birthday to Library Project

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday celebrated his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she marked her 65th birthday. He described her as his confidant, counsellor, and steadfast partner through years of political struggle and public service.

The President’s tribute acknowledged her quiet sacrifices, which he said had shaped both their family and the nation. He noted that her patience and devotion sustained him during exile and leadership challenges, while her compassion and resilience continue to inspire Nigerian women.

Tinubu said his wife’s contributions went beyond the home, calling her a role model to their children and grandchildren, as well as a symbol of womanhood for the country. He expressed gratitude to her both as a husband and as President, praising her empathy and dedication to service.

The First Lady also used the occasion to launch an education-focused initiative. Ahead of her birthday, she announced that she would dedicate the celebration to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library. She appealed to well-wishers to send donations instead of gifts or newspaper adverts.

Mrs Tinubu explained that her decision was rooted in her passion for education. She noted that the completion of the National Library would be the best present she could receive, describing the project as central to national learning and cultural preservation.

The National Library complex in Abuja, first awarded in 2006 for N8.59 billion, has suffered years of delays and cost overruns. Despite several promises from past governments, only about 44 percent of the 12-storey building had been completed by 2023. Recent assessments suggested that over N49 billion would be required to finish the project.

In 2025, the Federal Government directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to take over funding. Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced in April that construction would resume by June, following site inspections. The Nigerian Library Association also renewed calls this September for urgent completion, stressing its importance to education and research.

Mrs Tinubu, a former senator and advocate for women’s empowerment, has often aligned her initiatives with education and youth development. Her latest birthday decision adds fresh momentum to efforts to deliver a project long regarded as a symbol of stalled infrastructure in the capital.