Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced she will mark her 65th birthday later this month with a personal appeal for contributions towards completing the National Library, describing the initiative as the “best birthday gift” she could receive.

In a broadcast, she said her birthday on 21 September, which falls on a Sunday this year, would be observed quietly and dedicated to God. She urged well-wishers to channel their greetings, gifts, and celebrations into donations for what she called a project “close to my heart.”

“By the special grace of God, I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st September, 2025,” she said. “Having a quiet birthday, I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, cakes, flowers, greetings in the newspapers, or gifts, to please send the funds to the designated account for a special project… the completion of the National Library.”

Tinubu stressed that her love for education had shaped the decision to dedicate her birthday to the cause. The initiative will be coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund” and will be managed through a Zenith Bank account.

“This will be the best birthday present I could receive,” she said, calling on Nigerians to join her in supporting the project.

The First Lady, a former senator and long-time advocate for education and women’s empowerment, added: “God bless you for joining me in this building project.”

The National Library project, intended as a central hub for research and learning, has faced years of delays. Tinubu’s appeal is expected to rally support from both the public and private sectors as her milestone celebration approaches.