NLA condemns call to divert national library funds to ‘feed hungry Nigerians’
The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has condemned a recent statement credited to Chief Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, advising the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to divert donations raised for the completion of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) headquarters to “hungry Nigerians.” In a press release signed by its President, […]
Oluremi Tinubu
The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has condemned a recent statement credited to Chief Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, advising the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to divert donations raised for the completion of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) headquarters to “hungry Nigerians.”
In a press release signed by its President, Dr Lawal Umar, and Secretary, Dr A. U. Kalu, the association described the suggestion as “irresponsible, reckless, and grossly misinformed,” warning against politicizing national development projects.
“While the NLA empathizes deeply with the plight of vulnerable citizens facing harsh economic realities, it considers this suggestion irresponsible, reckless, and grossly misinformed,” the statement read.
“Such a call represents a troubling disregard for the indispensable role of the National Library in Nigeria’s intellectual development, educational advancement, and long-term socio-economic transformation.”
Recall that during her 65th birthday celebration in September, Senator Remi Tinubu disclosed that ₦20 billion had been raised towards the completion of the National Library project.
Speaking at a lunch with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, she explained that the library project was her chosen legacy gift to the nation.
The Association also stressed that the National Library is not a luxury project but a national imperative. It listed its functions as preserving Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural heritage, supporting education and research, providing access to information and lifelong learning, and serving as a hub for literacy promotion and citizen empowerment.
“A fully functional National Library headquarters will enhance the national capacity to generate solutions to the very issues Chief George alluded to—hunger, poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment,” the statement added.
The NLA urged Nigerians to understand that investing in knowledge institutions is investing in the future. “Diverting funds intended for the NLN headquarters may provide momentary relief for a few, but completing the National Library will empower generations, stimulate innovation, strengthen the national economy, and build the intellectual capital required to eradicate hunger and poverty sustainably,” it said
The association commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s birthday appeal, which mobilized goodwill and resources toward completing the long-abandoned project, describing it as “a clear understanding that education and knowledge remain the most enduring gifts a nation can give its people.”
It called on the federal government, private sector, and development partners to remain steadfast in supporting the timely completion of the National Library headquarters, which it described as “the heartbeat of a progressive, informed, and competitive nation.”