On Sunday September 22 2025 Peter Obi former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party issued a public statement in response to a birthday request by Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu He began his message by sending warm birthday wishes to her but the core of his statement was a critique of her appeal She had asked that instead of cakes or newspaper adverts well wishers should contribute toward the completion of the National Library in Abuja To Obi this request went beyond a simple birthday gesture It reflected what he described as a troubling symbol of misplaced priorities in governance .
What Did Oluremi Tinubu Ask
Marking her birthday Senator Oluremi Tinubu asked friends and supporters to forgo the usual celebration style of cakes parties and expensive newspaper adverts Instead she requested that they donate funds to help complete the National Library in Abuja She framed her request as a meaningful way of using goodwill to address a long neglected national project and as an attempt to steer focus away from frivolous spending associated with birthdays .
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Peter Obi’s Message Warm Wishes and Sharp Criticism
Obi began by joining millions of Nigerians in wishing the First Lady a happy birthday and prayed for her continued health and happiness He then commended her request describing it as noble and selfless since it directed attention to a cause of national importance .
However Obi expressed that he was struck by irony in the appeal According to him it was an indictment of governance in Nigeria that something as vital as the National Library depended on private donations made in honor of a birthday He argued that in a functioning system projects such as libraries should be a basic responsibility of government not a matter for charity .
Obi recalled that during his time as governor he had also discouraged supporters from spending on newspaper adverts during his own birthdays Instead he advised them to use their resources for classrooms and educational tools But he clarified that these acts were never intended to replace the obligations of government rather they were complements
In highlighting national priorities Obi contrasted the First Lady’s appeal with the luxury lifestyle of political elites who spend lavishly on jets yachts mansions foreign trips and extravagant displays He criticized the ease with which these luxuries are pursued while vital projects such as libraries remain neglected .
Obi described the National Library as a temple of knowledge and an intellectual furnace essential for education and nation building He lamented that in Nigeria libraries are treated as afterthoughts or as begging bowls instead of as central pillars of progress In closing he stressed that for Nigeria to rise it must invest in knowledge education and infrastructure rather than in vanity projects He ended with a stark declaration that until such priorities are corrected the lament remains true we are finished .
Reactions and Public Discourse
Obi’s message ignited public debate across the country Many Nigerians supported his critique arguing that essential institutions like libraries should not rely on birthday donations but should be funded directly by government They felt Obi’s statement captured the frustration of citizens who have long witnessed neglect in public services .
Others expressed sympathy for Oluremi Tinubu’s request They viewed it as an attempt to redirect wasteful spending into a constructive cause For them the First Lady’s approach was better than extravagant birthday celebrations and could raise awareness about the need for the library’s completion .
The controversy also deepened discussions about the responsibilities of government and how public funds are allocated Many Nigerians echoed Obi’s concern that relying on personal gestures for public projects reflects poorly on governance and reveals chronic underfunding of education infrastructure .
Additionally the debate touched on political culture in Nigeria Observers argued that leaders often prioritize image and luxury over substance building unused mansions or funding large events rather than ensuring that institutions such as libraries schools and hospitals are properly supported Obi’s remarks were therefore seen as a call for accountability and a demand for leaders to realign their actions with the actual needs of citizens .
Implications and Broader Significance
This exchange goes beyond birthday pleasantries It highlights the state of governance in Nigeria and how national priorities are often misplaced Obi’s statement positions the First Lady’s request as a mirror reflecting the deeper challenges of leadership and responsibility .
The episode also underscores the influence of public figures in shaping national conversations When figures such as the First Lady or Peter Obi speak their words resonate far beyond the personal and often set the tone for discussions on governance philanthropy and responsibility .
Obi’s emphasis on education reminds Nigerians that knowledge infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity Without a strong foundation in libraries and schools the nation risks falling further behind in development The reactions to his message show a growing public expectation that leaders should not rely on symbolic gestures but should instead fulfill their duties in building sustainable institutions .
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s birthday message to Oluremi Tinubu combined warmth with sharp critique While he celebrated her birthday and acknowledged her noble request he also used the moment to highlight the dangers of relying on goodwill to address fundamental national responsibilities The First Lady’s call for donations to complete the National Library has become a flashpoint for wider debates about governance priorities and accountability Whether people agree with Obi or not the episode has brought renewed focus to the urgent need for leaders to invest in education knowledge and infrastructure rather than in superficial displays of wealth It is a reminder that symbolic gestures often reveal deeper truths about the expectations of citizens and the state of a nation .