The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has cautioned Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, against politicizing philanthropic gestures. The warning comes after Obi commented on a donation made by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, to the National Library during her birthday celebration.
According to Seye Oladejo, the state APC spokesperson, public institutions globally benefit from private donations and endowments, which complement government efforts in nation-building. Oladejo emphasized that such contributions should be encouraged as they reflect a shared responsibility for strengthening public institutions. He noted that the First Lady’s donation is a positive step in supporting education and national development.
Oladejo urged Nigerians to view the donation as a gesture of goodwill rather than through a political lens. He stressed the importance of strengthening national institutions and fostering a culture of public-private partnership for the common good. The APC spokesperson’s comments were in response to Obi’s statement that Nigeria should not have to rely on birthday gifts to complete its National Library.
The National Library has been a subject of discussion in Nigeria, with many calling for its completion to promote education and research. The donation by Senator Tinubu is seen as a significant contribution to this effort. By encouraging private donations, the government can supplement its resources and accelerate the development of public institutions.
The APC’s warning to Obi highlights the need for politicians to distinguish between philanthropic gestures and political actions. As Nigeria continues to develop its public institutions, the role of private donations and partnerships will be crucial. The focus should be on supporting education and national development, rather than politicizing individual actions. By promoting a culture of public-private partnership, Nigeria can work towards strengthening its institutions and achieving its development goals.
