Obasanjo urges swift completion of National Library hqtrs for national development
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the federal government to prioritise the completion of the National Library of Nigeria’s headquarters, emphasising its pivotal role in the country’s growth and development.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration and ‘Lit for Life Africa Festival’ of the National Library in Abuja on Wednesday, Obasanjo described the completion of the headquarters as a critical step toward national progress.
He urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, and international partners—to come together and expedite the construction of this vital infrastructure.
“A fully operational National Library headquarters will not only serve as a beacon for literacy and learning but also as a hub for cultural preservation and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation,” Obasanjo stated.
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the National Library’s mission.
She emphasised the institution’s critical role in expanding access to quality education and its ability to adapt to the demands of the digital age.
“The National Library must take its rightful place in this digital era, serving as a modern hub for learning, research, and innovation accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of location,” Ahmad said.
The National Librarian, Chinwe Anunobi, highlighted the progress the National Library has made in its six decades of existence, despite facing numerous challenges.
Under her leadership, the library has preserved over 5 million titles and 13 million volumes, with 2.5 million titles and 7.5 million volumes dedicated to Nigerian-origin resources.
Anunobi also noted that the library had issued over 1 million International Standard Book Numbers and engaged millions of Nigerians through its literacy programs.
The highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of the National Library’s Vision 2025-2030 strategy, setting goals to further enhance the library’s role in promoting education and lifelong learning.
