- Former President Obasanjo urged prioritization of the National Library headquarters completion, emphasizing its role in literacy and cultural preservation
- The unfinished project, started in 2006, symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation, enhancing intellectual growth and reading culture
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the federal government, private sector, and development partners to prioritize the completion of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) headquarters in Abuja.
In a goodwill message commemorating the National Library’s 60th anniversary on Wednesday, Obasanjo highlighted the project’s importance.
He stated that a fully functional headquarters would symbolize Nigeria’s commitment to literacy, cultural preservation, and innovation while serving as a hub for education and learning.
The “The Future of Libraries in a Digital Age: Preserving Heritage, Expanding Access and Engaging Youth” event illuminated the institution’s ongoing efforts to adapt to digital advancements.
Construction of the National Library headquarters began in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration. It was projected to be completed by 2020 but remains unfinished.
Obasanjo emphasized the project’s urgency, noting its potential to enhance the nation’s intellectual growth and foster a reading culture.
“For six decades, the National Library has been pivotal in preserving our heritage and empowering Nigerians through access to knowledge. It has championed literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural preservation,” Obasanjo said.
The National Librarian and CEO, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, revealed that over one million Nigerians have engaged with the library’s initiatives to promote literacy.
These efforts include readership campaigns and establishing literacy centers in diverse locations, such as hospitals, correctional facilities, motor parks, schools, and hard-to-reach communities.
Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmed reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the National Library. She assured that the government remains committed to empowering Nigerians with resources that promote lifelong learning and sustainable development.
The call for the completion of the headquarters underscores the library’s vital role in shaping the nation’s intellectual future.
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