The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has welcomed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s decision to launch a crowdfunding initiative for the completion of its long-delayed headquarters.

Public Relations Officer of the NLN, Orvell Diô, said the initiative demonstrates that prominent Nigerians are taking notice of the efforts of the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Chinwe Anunobi.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Diô noted that the First Lady’s involvement will draw wider public attention to the project’s infrastructural challenges and inspire Nigerians across all sectors to take ownership of the library’s completion.

“The National Library’s completion is crucial to the intellectual and cultural development of the country, as it serves as the apex repository of our knowledge resources,” Diô said.

He explained that crowdfunding offers an opportunity for collective responsibility, allowing individuals and institutions to contribute meaningfully to safeguarding Nigeria’s educational heritage.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would bridge funding gaps created by years of insufficient budgetary allocations.

Diô praised Professor Anunobi’s leadership, highlighting her eight-point agenda and advocacy efforts that have kept the library’s vision alive.

He said the First Lady’s support would accelerate completion efforts and boost confidence among local and international partners.

“We were happy that somebody noticed us. If the National Librarian wasn’t doing something worthwhile, nobody would take note,” Diô said. “People in authority have now seen that we need a better place and are making efforts to see that it is completed.”

The NLN headquarters project has remained uncompleted for 19 years.
Mrs. Tinubu had announced plans to mark her 65th birthday later this month with a public appeal for contributions toward the library’s completion, describing it as the “best birthday gift” she could receive.

Diô further revealed that Professor Anunobi has been elected First Vice Chairman of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries, becoming the first African to hold the position.

She has also been invited to speak at the 50th anniversary of the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) International Centre in October.