Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady and Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unprecedented fundraising initiative aimed at completing the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Lawal Umar, and Secretary, Dr. Amogu Uma Kalu, the Association described the First Lady’s gesture as a selfless and visionary act of patriotism that has rekindled hope in the country’s educational infrastructure.
The statement said the Association is deeply moved and inspired by her innovative approach to securing essential resources for the project.
According to NLA, the funds raised through this noble initiative represent more than just financial contributions but the collective goodwill and belief of the Nigerian people in the potential of a national library
The statement pointed out that National Library project, which has suffered decades of delay and underfunding, has long been a source of disappointment to stakeholders in the education sector.
The NLA noted that Senator Tinubu’s intervention has injected vital momentum into this crucial project and shone a powerful spotlight on the importance of knowledge, literacy, and national infrastructure for intellectual growth.
It explained that the project when completed, this building would be the epicentre of intellectual inquiry, a repository of our nation’s history and knowledge, and a crucial resource center for students, legislators, researchers, and every Nigerian citizen.
The NLA also called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to commit to sustained operational funding as generous, long-term funding is essential for the library to fulfil its mandate.
It would recalled that rather than receive personal gifts to mark her 65th birthday, Senator Tinubu requested well-wishers and donors to contribute to the National Library Project Fund.
The strategy, which transformed a private celebration into a national call to action, has so far yielded N20.7 billion, with the donation account expected to remain open until December 2025.
