Peter Obi has criticised the birthday message of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, describing her request for donations toward completing the National Library in Abuja as a symbol of Nigeria’s misplaced priorities.

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The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate joined other Nigerians in wishing the First Lady well on her new age but questioned why such a critical national project now depends on contributions tied to a birthday appeal. He noted that while such gestures might appear noble, they expose deeper failures in governance.

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Obi recalled that during his time as governor, he encouraged well-wishers to channel funds for birthday adverts into more meaningful causes. However, he stressed that these were meant to complement government responsibility, not replace it. In his view, a country of Nigeria’s size should not be relying on charity to complete its own National Library.
He contrasted the library’s neglect with the ease at which funds are found for private jets, luxury assets, and foreign trips. For him, this imbalance reflects how leaders prioritise personal comfort over national development.
Obi described the abandoned library project as a symbol of leadership failure and a disregard for education. He argued that while serious nations treat libraries as sacred spaces for knowledge and innovation, Nigeria has reduced its own to an afterthought dependent on birthday donations.
He concluded that Nigeria’s future will not be secured by material extravagance but by investments in education and intellectual growth. Until the country redirects its resources into classrooms and libraries, he warned, its progress will remain stunted.

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