By Bukola Kayode
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed worry over the call of Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s for her associates not to pay for media adverts or other types of gifts for her 65th birthday.
The former lawmaker said she would prefer her well-wishers donate toward completing the National Library in Abuja. But Obi had reacted to Mrs. Tinubu’s request, saying describing it as an indictment of Nigeria’s leadership priorities.
In a post on his X account on Sunday, Obi said while the First Lady’s appeal was “noble and selfless on the surface,” it exposed the failure of government to fulfill its responsibilities.
He wrote: “I join millions of Nigerians in wishing Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, a happy birthday. May God Almighty, who has been with her all these years, grant her many more healthy, fruitful, and happy years.
“However, I was struck by irony reading her request: that instead of cakes or newspaper adverts, well-wishers should donate toward completing the National Library in Abuja.”
Obi argued that a nation should not rely on charity to build “the very temple of knowledge” while its leaders spend lavishly on luxuries.
Read also: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/remi-tinubu-rejects-newspaper-adverts-seeks-donations-for-national-library-for-65th-birthday/
“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,” he stated.
Obi lamented that the National Library Project should be a top priority for serious government. “However, I was struck by irony reading her request: that instead of cakes or newspaper adverts, well-wishers should donate toward completing the National Library in Abuja.”
Obi argued that a nation should not rely on charity to build “the very temple of knowledge” while its leaders spend lavishly on luxuries.
“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,” he stated.
Frontline News Online had reported that Mrs Tinubu issued an early notice of her birthday wishes in a video shared on social media. She revealed that she would spend the day quietly in thanksgiving to God and urged well-wishers to direct gifts and greetings towards the completion of the National Library.
The first lady said her love for education informed her decision to dedicate her birthday to the project.
“I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st September and this happens to be a Sunday. This is why I have decided to dedicate the day to God for all His blessings in my life by having a quiet birthday,” she disclosed.
Remi appealed to friends and supporters who may wish to send cards, cakes, flowers, newspaper messages or other presents to instead send funds to an account designated for the library project.
The initiative, she said is being coordinated by the federal ministry of education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund,” Zenith Bank Plc, with account number 1310314977.
“The completion of the national library, This would be the best birthday present I could receive. My love for education has informed my decision to dedicate my birthday to this worthy cause,” she added.
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