Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the federal government over its failure to complete the National Library in Abuja.
Obi comments came in response to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent birthday appeal, in which she asked well-wishers to donate funds toward finishing the long-abandoned library instead of sending cakes or newspaper adverts.
In her appeal, the First Lady said:“By the grace of God, I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st of September 2025. I have decided to dedicate the day to God for all His blessings in my life and to have 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. Instead, kindly send funds to the designated account for the completion of the National Library. This will be the best birthday present I could receive.”
While wishing her a happy birthday, Obi in a tweet on Sunday wrote said he was “struck by the irony” of her request, describing it as “noble and selfless” on the surface but ultimately “an indictment of our nation.”
Obi also reflected on his time as governor, saying he asked that money meant for adverts be used for education instead, but noted that “the state still bore the responsibility of providing those essentials.”and that “Such gestures were never meant to replace the government’s duty but to complement it.”
He added that is “why it is shocking that, in our present circumstances, while billions are easily found for jets, yachts, unused mansions, endless trips abroad, and other frivolities, the nation must rely on birthday donations to complete its own National Library.”
The former governor asked, “What kind of country must beg for charity to build the very temple of knowledge?” and said, “Serious nations treat libraries as sacred; but here we reduce them to afterthoughts, begging bowls, or birthday tokens.”
He also praised Tinubu’s emphasis on education, saying,”Mrs Tinubu was right: education is the most enduring legacy a nation can give its people. Yet to know this truth and still prioritise vanity is both shocking and tragic.”
Obi then warned that Nigeria’s future depends not on luxury, but on “the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries.” Until then, he said, “we are finished.”
