A video of Remi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu appealing to the public for contributions toward the completion of the National Library project as part of her 65th birthday celebration has caused a stir on social media.
In the video that has become a growing sensation on social media, Mrs Tinubu is captured pleading with the general public to convert their goodwill gestures for her birthday into donations for the project.
According to the first lady, well wishers who choose to donate cakes, flowers, and newspaper adverts, should forgo all and give towards the project instead.
She added that she’d mark her birthday on Sunday, September 21, in quiet reflection and thanksgiving to God.
“I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, cakes, flowers, greetings in the newspapers or gifts, should please send the funds to the designated account for a special project close to my heart, among many others, the completion of the National Library. This will be the best birthday present I could receive,” she said.
The appeal has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
One user wrote, “So you’re begging poor citizens to contribute for your foundation. With all due respect please put this video down because it doesn’t portray good of the country as the First Lady of this nation. Where are we even heading to… Who is your media manager?”
Another user asked, “What happened to taxpayers’ money for the project?”
A different commenter wrote, “So this is real. I actually thought it was AI.”
Another reaction read, “Una don see us finish for this country.”
Blogger Tunde Ednut also posted on Instagram, “Is this a joke??? I have never in my life heard of a First Lady of a nation indirectly telling poor citizens to donate money into a particular account for her personal project.”