Senator Shehu Sani has expressed skepticism about donations made to high-profile projects, describing them as “eye service” for people in positions of power. His comments came in response to the announcement by Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, that she has raised over N20 billion for the National Library project in Abuja.

The National Library, which has been under construction for nearly 40 years, received a significant boost with the First Lady’s fundraising efforts. However, Senator Sani drew a comparison with a similar initiative launched by Hajiya Turai Yar’adua, the wife of former President Musa Yar’adua. According to Sani, many individuals who pledged to donate to her International Cancer Center failed to fulfill their commitments after President Yar’adua’s death, leaving the project stalled for over a decade.

Senator Sani’s remarks suggest that the success of such fundraising efforts often depends on the individual’s proximity to power. He advised the First Lady to ensure that donors fulfill their pledges promptly. The comments were made on the occasion of the First Lady’s birthday, with Senator Sani offering both congratulations and words of caution.

The National Library project has been a long-awaited development in Nigeria’s capital city. The significant amount raised by the First Lady has brought renewed attention to the project, which aims to provide a state-of-the-art facility for education and research. As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the donated funds will be utilized efficiently and effectively.

In the context of Nigeria’s development, the success of high-profile projects like the National Library is crucial. Such initiatives have the potential to drive growth, improve education, and enhance the country’s infrastructure. As the government and private individuals collaborate on these projects, transparency and accountability will be essential in ensuring that funds are used wisely and that the intended objectives are achieved.