Peter Obi Faults Oluremi Tinubu’s Birthday Request Over National Library

Frontline presidential aspirant and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has criticized First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s birthday request that well-wishers channel their gifts and newspaper adverts toward completing the National Library in Abuja.

Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, described the request as ironic and deeply troubling, arguing that Nigeria should not depend on birthday donations to finish a national project of such importance.

In a post on X titled We Are Finished, Obi wished the First Lady a long and fruitful life but condemned the idea as a reflection of government failure. He stressed that while billions are regularly allocated for jets, yachts, foreign trips and luxury mansions, the country now seeks charity to complete what he called the “temple of knowledge.”

“I recall as Governor of Anambra, I encouraged well-wishers to direct money meant for adverts to meaningful causes such as classrooms and computers for schools. However, such gestures were only meant to complement government’s duty, not replace it. The state still bore responsibility for providing essentials” Obi wrote.

He argued that nations with vision treat libraries as sacred spaces while Nigeria reduces them to “afterthoughts, begging bowls or birthday tokens.” According to him, it is both shocking and tragic that leaders recognize education as the most enduring legacy yet continue to prioritize vanity.

“If Nigeria will rise, it will not be on the wings of jets or the splendour of mansions, but on the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries,” Obi stated, insisting that the government’s misplaced priorities highlight why “we are finished.”