Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed his surprise and irony after reading a recent statement from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her birthday.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Obi noted that the First Lady had urged well-wishers to contribute donations toward the completion of the National Library in Abuja instead of spending money on cakes or newspaper advertisements.
Obi described the request as seemingly noble and selfless on the surface. However, he highlighted that it also reflected deeper issues within the nation. The appeal, while charitable in intent, subtly underscores the structural shortcomings and state of neglect in public institutions like the National Library.
He pointed out the irony of a situation where national institutions require private donations to function or be completed, a responsibility that should ideally rest with the government. The call for private contributions, instead of celebrating the First Lady’s personal milestone with conventional gestures such as cakes or public announcements, indirectly draws attention to systemic failures in the country’s management of cultural and educational infrastructure.
By highlighting this issue, Obi brings focus to a broader conversation about governance and civic responsibility in Nigeria. While acknowledging the selflessness of Senator Tinubu’s appeal, he suggests that such circumstances reveal the need for greater governmental accountability and investment in national projects.
He said: “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. On the surface, it is noble and selfless. But beneath it lies an indictment of our nation.” See, More, Here>>>>
